Could the wrong plug cause a blown head gasket?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 151
Likes: 4
Could the wrong plug cause a blown head gasket?
My 89 C4 was bought with a blown head gasket. I assumed due to overheating, but the owner claimed it never overheated and to be honest I took them as honest people. As for plugs, it had 7 of the Autolite 3936 and 1 BETU platin 828 (this plug had a Mercedes Benz symbol on it). I was told the wrong plug could have likely caused the blown head gasket, not necessarily always caused by overheating. If this is possibly true it is good news for me, I would rather the cause be an incorrect plug than overheating. Was it just by coincidence that the blown cylinder had the BETU plug, or was it likely the cause? Comments?
Last edited by woodcrest; Feb 20, 2019 at 02:49 PM. Reason: puncuton
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,153
Likes: 341
Having worked on cars most of my life I cannot think of any way that the incorrect plug could cause a failed head gasket. Not even badly misgapped.
Failed head gaskets --- overheating, clogged catalytic converter (too much back pressure), poor design (Subaru), etc.
Failed head gaskets --- overheating, clogged catalytic converter (too much back pressure), poor design (Subaru), etc.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 21,543
Likes: 3,216
From: Park City Utah
If the plug were the wrong heat range, and cause detonation/preignition constantly....then it's possible that it could contribute to a blown head gasket.
But in reality, it's incredibly unlikely. Basically, no.
But in reality, it's incredibly unlikely. Basically, no.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 17,700
Likes: 1,667
From: moraga ca
In a race application, if a plug that is too hot is used, it could definitely cause problems. Usually a broken piston or ring but possibly a head gasket.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski