BareBonesXL

I was right, for the wrong reasons.

Pretty sure the strap is magnetic. The center electrode, maybe not. Just went out and checked the plugs I recently pulled out. The outer electrode is magnetic.

Rydobo

Well, I got to it today, took it apart again and found no damage to the new plug. It was, however, covered in anti-seize that had worked it's way to the tip and ground strap. And there was way too much dielectric grease in the ignition coil. While it was open I got a telescopic magnet down in the cylinder, and vaccumed it as well and found nothing. So, I cleaned everything up really well, torqued it up, and fired it up, and it runs great. My lesson here is less is more with antiseize and dielectric grease..
While it was idling, I'm pretty sure I heard it blast something into the catalytic converter, maybe the broken piece of ground strap. It took me 2 weeks to change a plug, with buying the lisle tool and all, but now the other seven should be a breeze with all I learned. Thanks for all the advice, it really helped.

Jimboy

Rydobo...

I know this is an old post but what were the long term effects/issues that appeared after your broken electrode event?

jimboy