i did a tune up for the first time since i had the car i pulled the spark plug out and it was hard to get out i later found out that the tread was messed up. what can i do to repair it or do i have to get a new head.
2006-08-14 10:33:11 · 8 answers · asked by ant_20004 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
I have done this a few times. Some of the threads weld to the plug. Usually near the tip of the plug. Backing it out mashes the rest of the threads.
If this is what happened (or even if worse happened), first try running a tap down into the hole to straighten the threads. Buy the right size, diameter and thread pitch. Cover the tap with grease to catch the filings to minimize how much gets into the cylinder.
Be very careful to get the tap to run down the "path of least resistance". That is most likely the right path.
After you back it out leave the plug out and turn the engine over. If any filings got in the cylinder this may blow them out,
If this fails, all you invested was the cost of the tap which is less than the helicoil. Then you have to do the helicoil.
Worth the try in my opinion. I must have done this four or five times. In one case, I did it twice on the same cylinder. The next time I did it to that cylinder I put in a helicoil.
2006-08-14 14:16:58 · answer #1 · answered by Peter C 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't get a new head. Don't take the head off the car.
If your auto parts store doesn't have a repair kit to fix it (a good one will), there are other thread-restoring methods like helicoil and form-a-thread.
Don't use form-a-thread unless you have to. It has never let me down and it's supposed to be as strong as aluminum, but it's a polymer and God only knows its heat range and/or fatigue limit under combustion chamber pressure.
I thought I'd add that when you drill out the hole to use the helicoil tap, put heavy grease on the cutting edge of the tap to catch the metal shavings so they don't score your cylinder wall.
2006-08-14 10:40:45 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
wise guy is close but you do not need to drill anything to use a helicoil get the right size it will cut its own threads when you screw it into the head do not need to take head off wise guy is very right on the form a thread try not to use that it wont last very long before it blows your plug out of the head
2006-08-14 13:16:33 · answer #3 · answered by firefightingexpert 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is possible to Helicoil it on the engine, if you vacuum out all the shavings from the cylinder when you're finished. You don't need to pull the head to do it.
2006-08-14 10:41:45 · answer #4 · answered by mcmustang1992 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Buy a Helicoil kit from a auto parts store and follow the instructions carefully.
2006-08-14 10:38:29 · answer #5 · answered by Albannach 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
hate to say this but you will have to remove the head and take it to a machine shop(your local Napa). They can install an insert in there. You can get an insert at any auto store. But the problem will be the garbage that falls into the cylinder. Hence,,,pulling the head.
2006-08-14 10:40:06 · answer #6 · answered by scrambledmolecues 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
first tuneup....take it to a shop, you messed up!
if you were experienced you could use a helicoil, but you have to drill out the old threads, which could lead to other problems like getting metal in the engine.
2006-08-14 10:40:12 · answer #7 · answered by Nunya B 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You will probably have to take the head off and take it in to a engine rebuild shop. They might be able to use a heli-coil to repair it.
2006-08-14 10:40:24 · answer #8 · answered by keepergary 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋