Heavily Oxidized #4 Spark Plug

[tccoastguard]

These plugs have only been in the truck for 2 weeks / 100 miles. The left plug has already oxidized terribly and from that back #4 cylinder. The previous plug was in standing muddy water (coil boot and channel was submerged for some reason) but this time was bone dry.

Any thoughts on what's happening here?

2019 Ranger Lariat

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[Trigganometry]

Looks like you got water getting into the plug hole. Threads on here about that but, there is a TSB on this from Ford too. Their solution is to install an engine cover to divert the water.

 

[Old NaCl]

Is the engine cover back in production?

 

[airline tech]

I would say initial cause is water in the well, if the left plug has only been installed for 100 miles, then it appears that the boot still has residual rust / corrosion being transferred to the new plug.
I am assuming that you possibly pulled the plugs back out due to a misfire still present.
If so, look at the upper tip of the plug where the ignition boot connects to the plug, I see some corrosion on that, and that dirty connection point will cause the misfire.
You may try cleaning the connection and boot but may require a COP replacement as the water might have damaged and or weakened the coil.
Plus noted rust / corrosion on the threads, for possible future problems, clean the threads in the head and the mating surface (plug washer to head) to ensure a proper seal as you may be getting blow by past the threads (compression loss) which will also be a misfire.

As far as initial water getting into #4-cylinder, water drips off of the cowl panel in front of the windshield, when it drips it drops down on top of the motor and routes down into #4 spark plug well.
There is a TSB to install the Engine Appearance Cover, to divert water away from the plug wells.

 

[airline tech]

Is the engine cover back in production?

I just checked yes but for the price of $164.64
I bought mine in Nov 22 for $56.00 so price has nearly trippled.

 

[subquark]

Is the engine cover back in production?

Looks like Levittown has it in stock (for $173!!!).

It seems like the TSB doesn't cover the cost from what I see on other post, but I don't know if that's true or not.

If you end up buying it, maybe give a shout out to Benny @LevittownFordParts.com for a possible discount.

And I can't tell if the mounting hardware comes with this link (they do call it a kit, so maybe?):

https://www.levittownfordparts.com/sku/rangerengcoverkit.html

 

[tccoastguard]

Looks like you got water getting into the plug hole. Threads on here about that but, there is a TSB on this from Ford too. Their solution is to install an engine cover to divert the water.

This was with an engine cover on it! lol

 

[NotBudule]

A piece of split pipe insulation will do a much better job at deflecting the water BEFORE it drips on the engine than the sponge that Ford recommends you bolt on there ...

 

[Grumpaw]

Yes, engine cover

A piece of split pipe insulation will do a much better job at deflecting the water BEFORE it drips on the engine than the sponge that Ford recommends you bolt on there ...

I was at Lowes the other day and was looking at the split rubber insulation to do the same thing.
Now that i've seen yours, I just may go ahead, even with my new engine cover.
We with great minds must think alike....

 

[tccoastguard]

A piece of split pipe insulation will do a much better job at deflecting the water BEFORE it drips on the engine than the sponge that Ford recommends you bolt on there ...

That's freakin' SMART!

 

[NotBudule]

I also tossed those plastic rivets and bolted it back together so it sealed up tighter ...

 

[NotBudule]

Yes, engine cover

I was at Lowes the other day and was looking at the split rubber insulation to do the same thing.
Now that i've seen yours, I just may go ahead, even with my new engine cover.
We with great minds must think alike....

Rubber would probably be better but i had that laying around , i sealed mine anyway so i doubt water will get that far ...

 

[Grumpaw]

A piece of split pipe insulation will do a much better job at deflecting the water BEFORE it drips on the engine than the sponge that Ford recommends you bolt on there ...

That lip is very narrow though. Did you use any type of adhesive ?
The rubber split stuff has some "sticky" on it but it's only meant to seal to itself.
Maybe a few drops of contact cement ???

 

[NotBudule]

That lip is very narrow though. Did you use any type of adhesive ?
The rubber split stuff has some "sticky" on it but it's only meant to seal to itself.
Maybe a few drops of contact cement ???

Dont remember , i think its just hanging on , but its been there for a while ...

 

[LevittownFordParts.com]

Looks like Levittown has it in stock (for $173!!!).

It seems like the TSB doesn't cover the cost from what I see on other post, but I don't know if that's true or not.

If you end up buying it, maybe give a shout out to Benny @LevittownFordParts.com for a possible discount.

And I can't tell if the mounting hardware comes with this link (they do call it a kit, so maybe?):

https://www.levittownfordparts.com/sku/rangerengcoverkit.html

Yes all hardware is included and we have codes for forum members. Shoot me a PM if interested.

Thanks!
- Benny

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