spark plug dilemma

mightyterc · Post by **mightyterc** » Sat Jul 28, 2007 10:45 pm

Went up to the pines for a thrash the other night. (Which by the way was awesome fun!, swingin mad nuts in the terc haha). Noticed that my car has lost a HEAP of power, and was even periodically running on 3 cylinders. On closer inspection, i noticed oil leaking out of the number 4 spark plug hole, on even closer inspection, i noticed that i was not in on the same angle as the other ones. That night, after removing the plug, i noticed the hole has been all crossthreaded by the deadbeat who had the car before me. What to do??

keith · Post by **keith** » Sun Jul 29, 2007 8:18 am

First step would be a thread chaser. It may or may not work. If it doesn't, then you'll have to use a helicoil. The trick will be keeping all the shavings out of the cylinder.

http://www.amazon.com/Lisle-Spark-Plug- ... B0002JMIYU

http://inpcars.com/spark-plug-thread-repair-kits/

http://www.mytoolstore.com/kd/kdengi11.html

Typrus · Post by **Typrus** » Sun Jul 29, 2007 6:40 pm

The shavings probably wouldn't hurt the engie that bad. However, the cat might not like it one bit. Keep in mind, the head is aluminum and the cylinders are hardened iron.
BUT.... A vaccum with a narrow spout attachment might be used to suck the majority of them out.

If you do use a chaser, be careful to chase the original threads. If you aren't careful, you could end up chasing the bad ones and create an issue with sealing.

Chris · Post by **Chris** » Tue Jul 31, 2007 5:34 pm

A little trick that I use for keeping thread shaving from where you don't want them is to put grease on the tap flutes when tapping. The shavings will embed into the grease as you tap. Remove the tap frequently, clean , regrease, and continue tapping.

jetswim · Post by **jetswim** » Wed Aug 01, 2007 5:45 am

And keep a magnet handy too!

takza · Post by **takza** » Wed Aug 01, 2007 5:50 am

A chaser and a tap are two different beasts? Less chance of messing up with a chaser?

Typrus · Post by **Typrus** » Wed Aug 01, 2007 10:38 am

A magnet will do you absolutely no good on an aluminum head.