Is a Loose Spark Plug Insert my Entire Problem?

[n1]

This seemingly bad news might be good news? I recently took my Ghia into the shop as I couldn't diagnose what was wrong and I got the news that there was no compression on #3. I used the hose from a compression tester (borrowed from a friend) and some fittings and was going to try to pressurize #3 and hear where the leak was. I read about the leak down test.
As I was screwing the air hose into the head could feel that it was sloppy and loose even though it had bitten into the threads. I took it out and stuck my finger in there and could feel an insert was moving. Spinning and with some needle noses I could pull it out maybe an 1/8" or so but it won't spin out. Or at least I haven't been able to spin it out yet and I didn't try too hard because I don't want to make it worse.

Could this be the source of my leak? How do I get it out?

I'm excited but worried and scared at the same time.

[Braukuche]

Pull the engine and mess with it.
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[67rustavenger]

That's weird!
It looks like there is an compression test adapter fitting stuck in the #3 spark plug hole.

Did the #3 sparkplug fit tightly in there before the problem reared it's ugly head?

Also the sparkplug hole looks restricted. That would limit how much spark is exposed to the raw fuel/air mixture in the cylinder.

Fish that thing out of the sparkplug hole and see if the threads are in good shape.
If the threads are messed up.
You can rent a sparkplug hole Time-Sert tool and buy a Time-Sert from aircooled.net.
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[Starbucket]

If that motor has a lot of miles on it, it's time to replace the heads with new ones and maybe slap in a new set of PC's, that's a failure waiting to happen.

[n1]

I have been doing some research and whatever that is in there it looks weird. I can't find a picture of an insert that has the inside end some what closed like this seems to be. I'm going to make another effort tonight and see if can get it out. If not I guess the engine will be coming out this weekend so I can get at it.

[SCG9860]

Can you contact the mechanic that last replaced the insert to inquire about what he installed? If not, you can try an insert removal tool. Google "insert removal tool". Several options will appear. I would try the type with the tapered blade and the T-handle attached. The blade will cut into the edge of the insert, you apply a downward force, and hopefully back it out in the counterclockwise direction. They're relatively cheap. They're more intended to remove wire / heli-coil type inserts versus keensert type inserts (what appears to be in your head). However, I have successfully removed both types previously using this type of tool on non-staked keenserts. Yours doesn't appear to be staked based upon the photos. You'll need to validate the hole size to purchase the appropriately sized tool.

This suggestion might help you to get the insert out of the head. Then you can determine nexts steps. I think the engine will likely need to come out but hopefully not. I hope this helps. Good luck.

[n1]

Thanks. Great info. I'm going to try with what I have on hand tonight and if it doesn't budge I will look into some special tools.

[Starbucket]

If you have snap ring plyers that spread snap rings you might be able to work the insert with them or put some loctite on an old plug, screw it in and let it cure and when you remove the plug the insert should come out with the plug.

[n1]

Well I'm an idiot. It was the adapter to the compression tester. The hose that the adapters screw onto is 14mm as well so I didn't notice right away. I tried a bunch of flat screwdrivers until one of them bound in the hole of the adapter and then was able to back out the adapter.

Right as the adapter came free I heard the sound of a small piece of metal falling. I can't see anything in there even with the the dual port intake off and was alarmed. Did something fall into the cylinder? The adapter is one piece and an o ring. All accounted for.

I learned another thing. I thought I might try to thread a spark plug back in loosely to keep crud out but to my surprise it slid right into it's seated depth with no threading. Looks like this cylinder was drilled out and retapped already. I'm wondering if that was the last bit of a heli-coil I heard falling into the cylinder? I guess I'm pulling the engine to check it out. Weekend project.

[Marcdeb]

Most of us have all made mistakes. I sure have.
It's a great way to learn.
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68 Karmann Ghia Cabrio Autostick
71 Karmann Ghia Cabrio

Previously Owned:
2011 VW EOS Hard Top Conv
2008 Saab 9-3 2.0T Conv
2003 Saab 9-3 SE Conv
2001 Saab 9-3 Conv
1998 BMW 3 Series Conv
1997 Saab 900 Conv
1997 Mazda Miata

68 Ghia Vert Survivor with 22,350 miles: https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=768107&highlight=
71 Ghia Vert Restoration: https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=726710&postorder=asc

[74 Thing]

You can always use a borescope/endoscope camera to view the cylinder area to see if there is anything in there instead of taking the engine out and tearing it apart.

https://www.amazon.com/borescope-camera/s?k=borescope+camera

[c21darrel]

This.

[n1]

Alright. I feel a little better. Thanks. I've been contemplating different ways to rig up a small hose to my shop vac and alternate that with the compressor. No way to be sure it's clear though without taking it apart or using the scope like 74 Thing mentioned. I might ask around to see if anyone I know has a scope.

I saw one video where the guy cranked the motor after drilling out new threads , leaving the plug out, claiming it blasts all the shavings out? Looked sketchy at best.

[kingkarmann]

[n1]

I borrowed a scope from a friend. That's not coming out easily.

[kingkarmann]

[ghiamanjc]

So how did the story end?
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[n1]

Check out this thread. I just posted where I'm at. Thanks for the interest.

https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=770303