P0301... help!

[Lt_hailBob]

I was driving down the road tonight going about 55mph and there was a pop combined with a flash from under the dash.(the console is currently removed) The car suddenly got REALLY loud. I checked under the hood and discovered one of the plugs was completely blown out. It was flopping under the hood with the spark plug still attached. It threw P0301.... cylinder 1 misfire.

My question is: Is the engine shot?.. if not (though unlikely), what could it be?

It is a 98 Ford Contour SVT with 137,xxx miles. I saw no fluids on the ground when I stopped.

 

[Lt_hailBob]

Does nobody know?

 

[PurdySVT]

try doing a heli-coil on the cylinder that blew the plug and see what happens sometimes spark plugs just pop out like that on engines....

 

[Lt_hailBob]

try doing a heli-coil on the cylinder that blew the plug and see what happens sometimes spark plugs just pop out like that on engines....

I tried putting the spark plug back in and the threads are totally stripped.

 

[TourEnvy]

The heli-coil will work as threads in the hole, several have done the same. check the site. I have no experience with this sorry.

I would start with replacing the plug and startn'er up.

 

[BrApple]

there have been a number of threads on this. hexi-coil the head and you should be fine.

 

[Lt_hailBob]

I would start it up but it makes a horrific clunking sound. I'm pretty sure it's a spun rod bearing. I think It'll be heading to DanG's garage.

 

[TourEnvy]

Video on Thread Inserts if anyone is interested:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RFYa6sjhh_E

 

[getsum111]

Don't start it until you put a helicoil in. This will allow you to reinstall the spark plug, which will take care of the loud noises you hear.