suzuki katana 600 spark plug thread stripped?

Question

what is the easiest way to fix a stripped spark plug thread on a 1994 suzuki katana 600. Im looking for something that will get me through the summer. I was thinking just to put some jb-welding on the plug and screw it in and let it set up. Im going to get another bike in the winter and im going to trade it in. Thanks.

Answer 1

There are a number of ways to repair stripped threads. In fact, it may be possible to simply chase the old threads with a tap and clean them up. you can insert a Helicoil. There are several types of repair inserts, but we prefer Helicoils.
Heres what they look life...
http://www.muller.net/mullermachine/howto/insert/taps.jpg

Also consider searching for a larger plug that will twist in snug!

Answer 2

If you have stripped the hole out of the head a tap will not "re-thread" the hole. You cannot put threads in metal that has been ripped out of the hole. The only reliable repair is a heli-coil. I have been up against this problem many times. There is a company that makes a JB weld type thread repair system but it is not as reliable as they claim. Only used it once and ended up throwing it in the trash. Aluminum heads are known for this especially if you try to change plugs when the motor is hot. A bit of advice for the future. Get some antiseze thread lubricant and apply it sparingly to the plug every time you change them. this will lessen the chances of this happening again. I have done this for many years on everything I own from my race car to my lawn mower. Good luck.

Answer 3

A helicoil is fine for a stud hole, or one that the bolt/plug/spark plug/etc is NOT being removed and inserted all the time, as after time, the helicoil starts to unwind and come out the hole. A much better/more permanent fix is a TIMESERT:

http://www.timesert.com/

This is a permanent fix.
The best way to fix this is to remove the head to repair.
A quick and dirty (though NOT recommended) way to fix is as follows:
On affected cylinder, remove spark plug, bring piston to highest point in cylinder that has exhaust valve opened and intake valve closed. Blow compressed air into tail pipe (or better yet, remove pipe and blow compressed air directly into exhaust port), and grease the drill/tap. The grease will hold some of the chips, and the compressed air coming in through the exhaust will blow the rest out the spark plug hole (hopefully!).

Answer 4

haha, thats one of going about it, you definately wont have any problems getting it to stay in, jb weld was a good idea, but try this, find a local machine shop,they should be able to cast some extra steal inside that hole and rethread it, the process could be a little lengthy but the price should not be to bad, or go head and take your regular idea, also check your local hardware store, and also try calling your lcal katana dealership, they should also be able to help you find a remedy for this problem