Bad knocking from top of engine...won't start

John,

Thanks for the advice!
Unfortunately, its too late - I've already applied the stuff on 2 plugs and put them in the head.

When you posted, I was actually googling how much to decrease the torque if anti-seize is applied. I found some sites that say 20 or 30%:

sorry can't post a link - but google:

ngk spark plug torque anti-seize

Then I was searching for a Workshop Manual and it suddenly struck me that I actually have 2 (!) repair manuals for this Prius that I'd forgotten about.

These are a Haynes and a Chilton. They must have gotten their info from the same source because some of the photos are exactly the same.

Anyways, both recommend anti-seize (with no mention of a decrease from their 156 in-lbs) and show a photo of someone lathering it on with a flux brush.

PLEASE MR. MODERATOR: Can I post a scan of this photo?

I've no clue if anti-seize is right or wrong - just thought I'd throw this out there.

Cheers!

 

Fire Fighter Hill,

Excellent idea! I'll try re-tightening (84 in-lbs in 3 or 4 equal steps, when installing the cover, according to the Haynes Repair Manual).

I'll order up a gasket when I get the coils, plugs etc.

I have to start paying attention to this car.

Thanks!

 

John,
"Fondoo" - good one. Strange stuff indeed, looks like mud.

FireFighter,
Good call on the COP gaskets - RockAuto has it - only $8

 

Thanks for all the additional comments, folks.

Right now I'm struggling removing #3 plug. I sprayed PBlaster yesterday down the "well".
I've never had a plug so tight before. I'm not a big bruiser of a guy and I'm using a regular 3/8" socket set. But still, I feel like something is going to go bang. Maybe I'll give it another shot of PBlaster and wait 'til tomorrow. The other 3 plugs came out so I don't want to blow it on this one, if you know what I mean.

Update: Just found a 14" breaker bar. My regular socket handle is 8" regular. Might give the breaker bar a go.

OK, If #3 comes out, here's the plan:
Replace plugs with new cheapo NGKs.
Erase engine codes.
See if she fires up.

If she does, I will be ecstatic. Would you expect remnants of PBlaster to trigger new codes or will the remnants be blown out before they are sensed? Will shall see.

 

Sadness reigns.

I got the last plug out OK.

However, after installing new plugs, the knocking is still there:

https://photos.app.goo.gl/ouCJNvuphivLZyDK7

The new error codes are all misfires:

P0300
01/06

P0301
02/06

P0302
03/06

P0300 P
04/06

P0301 P
05/06

P0302 P
06/06

I'll take the plugs out tomorrow and see if they are soaked in oil, maybe that would be the problem.

 

Yeah, I know what you mean but right now I just want to see if it is only an ignition problem or if it something bigger and not worth fixing.

 

Ray,

Cheapo NGKs non iridium - BKR5ES-11 2382 - they are listed on the NGK website as suitable for the 2001 Prius.

I'm thinking of taking Brian's advice:

"...You can get the cheap, economy parts, plugs and coils. Probably clean or replace air filter. The would give adequate service for 30K or so miles. Rock Auto has all that stuff...."

Just to see if the car runs.

 

Oh, I forgot to mention:

The "coils" are a really loose fit over the spark plugs - it that normal?

On my 1990 Camry (289k miles) you really have to twist the plug leads to get them off the plugs. Of course, that car has just the one coil.