Spark pulg thread crossed

[STAG1973]

Hi all

Just serviced my car and one of the spark plug ports has striped its thread it screws in but dose not tighten up:X:X:Xany suggestions on what i can do.

Cheers

Adrian.

[stustag]

imported post

Adrian

Have a look here

http://stagownersclub.mywowbb.com/vi...+thread+insert

Stuart

[STAG1973]

imported post

Stuart thanks for the reply.

Is HELICOILING easy to do your self or can i get this done ??

if i were to do myself what size tap is needed ?

Cheers

Adrian

[GDPR]

imported post

There you go - even got a nice little video

http://www.timesert.com/html/sparkplug.html

I believe RogerC has a set - worth a quick PM

[stustag]

imported post

M14 x 1.25mm 6H is the correct tap size, however I would not recommend using a helicoil unless you remove the head first.

This is because the drilling and tapping will cause swarf to enter the cylinder bore and the heliciol has a small piece of material which is broken off once to depth! Not good for engine life that mate.

I would recommend you get the head removed and fixed whilst off renew any worn parts to save removal later in life! I would also replace the timing chains & sprocketsif they have not been done for a while. (25000 miles is the correct chain life)

Stuart

[STAG1973]

imported post

Hi all

Just spoted on ebay 270294248149 a helicoil kit am i looking at the right thing.

the chap at the garage i use has done this before but dose no have the kit.

Cheers

Adrian

[stustag]

imported post

Thats the correct kit but be aware you will need the drill and that tap has a gunpiont flute whichmeans the swarf is pushed forwards so the head definitly has to come off.

I think this kit will be cheaper from a local tool distributor check yell pages for your local tooling shop.

You'll find them under tool suppliers and services.

Stuart

[STAG1973]

imported post

Cheers stuart

I willbe having this done as i fear i may totally bugger it up i think i will have the timing chains done as well the engine was refurbed in 1995,

What is the best type of chains to get and where is the best place,

Cheers

Adrian

[stustag]

imported post

Mmmmmmmm........

Timing chains are a hot debate if to go for pre stretched German chains or the standard Rolon chains.

I have German chains fitted but these I am led to believe can snap without warning but do last a lot longer than the Rolon which start to rattle on tickover when they need replacing.

I must admit I check my chains every week when I take the oil filler cap off I give them a quick visual check. I did not fit these chains as they were already on the car but I have had no problems in 10000 miles so should be OK.

If I replace them I will most likely go for Rolon but be warned as per Kingpin article a month ago check every link in the chain for any defects before fitting!

I would buy from LD Parts, Tony Hart orSOC Spares personally.

Stuart

[nib]

imported post

Adrian

If you brought the piston up to just off top dead centre,and had a very powerful hoover with perhaps a slightly flexible tube taped to the end,to poke through the spark plug hole to pick the swarf up.Swarf does tend to stick to oil,hence a powerful hoover.

A lot of cars are have had there spark plug thread helicoiledwith the head in situ,my mate has done it on numerous times.

Mark

[Stagdad]

imported post

nib wrote:

Adrian

If you brought the piston up to just off top dead centre,and had a very powerful hoover with perhaps a slightly flexible tube taped to the end,to poke through the spark plug hole to pick the swarf up.Swarf does tend to stick to oil,hence a powerful hoover.

A lot of cars are have had there spark plug thread helicoiledwith the head in situ,my mate has done it on numerous times.

Mark

I was thinking this also ,might be worth spraying clutch & brakecleaner into the hole first to degrease the cylinder andstop the swarf sticking then oiling the bore afterwards.

Steve

[Bob Heritage]

imported post

Might also be worth greasing the drill and check regularly to clean off any swarf as it is created.

[STAG1973]

imported post

thanks for the advice i don`t really want to start stripping the engine it runs really well it`s done 10000 in the last 20 years don`t know if thats a good thing or bad the last owner looked after itvery well over the 30 years he owned and engine refurbed as i said in1995.

Cheers

Adrian

[Kevin Garrod]

imported post

I read somewhere (maybe on this forum?) that an effective trick is to set the piston about halfway down the bore, fill the cylinder with grease, then fit the helicoil, when you turn the engine over (make sure you turn the right way!) the grease is expelled along with all the swarf. Never tried it myself of course!

[pennine]

imported post

You would be a very brave man to leave the heads in situ and perform this process.

Bite the bullet and pay for the head gasket and manifold gaskets and do it right. It works out cheaper and much less time consuming than a rebore, possible crank regrind, new mains, big ends pistons etc.