problems with #4 cylinder?

Question

ive got a 96 chevy s10 4 cyl 2.2 liter, 2 years ago the spark plug in my #4 cylinder popped out of the head and had to have it helicoiled. I havent had any problems until recently my truck would missfire during idling and the check engine light came on so i had the codes scanned and sure enough it was #4 again, i didnt realize that cylinder #4 was the one that had been helicoiled until i pulled the plug off and the helicoil came with it, i replaced the plug and new helicoil for the time being and it seems to run normally, i have to drive from missouri to seattle do you think i could make it, its about 2 and half days, i dont have time to repair the head and dont know how safe it is?

I used a threadlock and i tightened it as securely as feasible, i just didnt want to tighten it tooo tight not knowing if it may cause damage in there by forcing it tighter than tight if u know what im saying

Answer 1

When you have a problem with a cylinder head that you have the best solution would be to replace the head. Compression and heat along with a temporary repair don't go together. Heliocoils are only a "get by basis" until you can fix the problem in a much better way........like replace the head?

Answer 2

If you used a QUALITY repair thread insert, it will do you well.
They are designed to last the lifetime of the engine, and if they ar installed correctly, including either "staking" or using a retainer "glue" of some kind (Threadlocker by Permatex), it will not fall out.
The trip you are taking will only put miles on the little pick-up. As for the repair, it will last much longer than the trip.

Good Luck

Answer 3

This would depend on how tight the plug is in there. If it is tight and has a good bite on the threads then it should be ok. But if it is just tight and wibbles, no it will blow out again and it if does it will take the threads with it.

My advice if you cant get it fixed right, don't try the trip.