Okay, to start off, I have had my 1999 Ford Ranger XLT for the better part of 3 years and it has run GREAT for me, love the little thing.. Other than my current problem, and regular maintenance, I have only had one major issue, which was a cracked intake manifold gasket. Family friend fixed it, and charged me MUCH less than any other mechanic would have.
To the point now, when I first bought this truck my brother and I went ahead and did all regular maintenance checks and repairs. Replaced the spark plugs, changed the oil and filter, air filter, checked the brakes, tires, etc. When we purchased the plugs, he told me to get the Bosch Platinum +2 plugs telling me they'd be better for gas mileage, power, etc. Well after about a year, my check engine light comes on and the system check came up with a cylinder 3 misfire, so I checked the spark plug for cylinder 3. Sure enough, I found that the electrode had 'broken' or 'blasted' off. Used a unique 'ghetto rig' to vaccuum out the cylinder to be sure there were no broken pieces of ceramic from the plug, and started it with no plug there, pieces flew out, I checked the other plugs, and replaced the one.
Now again, a year later, same problem comes up, same plug/cylinder etc. Here I'm goin 'wtf is wrong here!?' My dad says go back to the OEM Motorcraft plugs, and get rid of the Bosch plugs, so I replaced all 6 with the motorcraft and found on the other side of the engine that one plugs' electrode is HANGING out between the two metal prongs, in danger of falling out, and hitting my cylinder walls.
My question: Has anyone EVER seen this happen???
If so, [or not] do you have any idea what would cause it?
Any response would be greatly appreciated, thanks and here are some pictures below!
-Tim
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