I have been told that I need to replace a header because the spark plug "shot out" and damaged the threads, possibly due to coolant leak? Does this make sense? Car has 132,000+ miles and I have already put $1000 into it this year. Is it worth doing another$2500 to $3500??
2006-12-10 02:28:56 · 11 answers · asked by Kathie H 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
spark plug shot out? very very rare, but does happen. usually happens from either a plug left loose, or it was over-tightened, thus damaging the delicate aluminum threads. depending on which cylinder it is, and the ease of getting to it, you may be able to install a heli-coil in that cylinder, without removing the head from the engine. i have done it before, but not on a tribute. i am not there to see it, so i am guessing just a bit. under worse case scenario, a machine shop will be able to repair the head,without the cost of a new/different head, but labor to remove&reinstall (called R&R) the head will still be costly. copy this response, show it to someone qualified, ask them what they think. it will take a real good technician to attempt something like this, so don't go for cheap here. you got 1 shot at repairing this.
2006-12-10 02:42:48 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If it "shot out" a spark plug from its hole, due to a coolant leak.... that tells me that the cylinder head is cracked, or the head gasket was leaking enough to fill the cylinder with coolant, (which doesn't compress) and the only release for the pressure was to blow the spark plug out. You would need to repair the head gasket leak first, and while you had the cylinder head off, you should Heli-Coil the spark plug hole to repair the threads. NAPA parts stores that offer machining service can do this repair quickly and inexpensively, and they can check out the cylinder head for any other problems-- cracks, leaks, valve wear and broken valve train parts (a good possibility since you hammered the cylinder) can all be checked at the same time.
2006-12-10 02:41:51 · answer #2 · answered by dathinman8 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First off, its not the exhaust "header" you need, it is the engine CYLINDER HEAD. The spark plug screws into a threaded hole in the cylinder head. If the threads failed (stripped out) then yeah, you need to replace the head. This is the sort of thing that happens when you don't pay proper attention and let a modern engine overheat.
Yes it sucks, but there it is.
2006-12-10 02:34:10 · answer #3 · answered by Naughtums 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
$2500 to $3500 is actually pretty inexpensive for the problem you describe if it's equipped with the 3.0L DOHC V6. Replacing a cylinder head on that engine, in that vehicle is a MAJOR undertaking that would require at least a day or to. Now is the point where you need to decide if it's worth keeping, or put the $3500 towards the purchase of a new vehicle. Cut your losses. Hope this helps.
2006-12-10 02:34:54 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Did you take your car to a Mazda dealer or some other place? They sell a product called heli-coil, which is like a spiral like insert that will be the new thread for your head. Very inexpensive and available at your local auto parts. Good luck.
2006-12-10 02:35:07 · answer #5 · answered by Henry m 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
um, yeah. what the heck did they tell you? the header is a part of the exhaust system & is no way related to spark plugs or coolant!
What did you origionally take it to them for?
If they found that a saprk plug shot!!!!! out of the plug hole, they will need to either try to tap the hole or (the more expensive route) remove the head & tap it from the other side (the more safe method too).
2006-12-10 02:59:19 · answer #6 · answered by JASON D 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
try the threads with a new spark plug. it doesn't mean that they are gone the plug could have been loose. u might be giving up here. buy a car that is an investment for the future. they are easy to fix and last a long time.
2006-12-10 02:34:37 · answer #7 · answered by spotlite 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You could possibly try a heli-coil set to repair the threads. I can't say though that it will hold under that kind of pressure and heat. you just gotta watch that you don't get any shavings down into the cylinder.
2006-12-10 02:36:16 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
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2017-03-05 07:39:36 · answer #9 · answered by Jodee 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
can you get into it to rethread the hole?if you cant then get a heli-coil and insert it in the hole and put your plug back in.
2006-12-10 02:35:02 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋