Spark Plug Thread Repair

[thehamm99]

Hey all,

Okay, I blew a plug. Luckily it's cylinder #1, so it's easy to get to and look down in.

Basically the thread is about 1/3 stripped, so it turns in hand tight, but as soon as you put any force from a wrench to it, it turns -- no more tightness.

I'm pretty damn careful when I install a spark plug, so who knows, maybe it was the guy before me, maybe it was me...but it's been several months since I installed plugs.

Anyways...

I have a 97. Any recommendations for thread repair?

I'm looking at a few "taps" from napa auto parts.

I know there are also "repair kits" out there.

also, helicoil, which I've read mixed reviews of.

I'm not looking to spend much.

This is what the "thread chasers" from Napa Auto look like.

Any advice?
Anybody know what size is appropriate for a 97 Mark?

Thanks.

 

[slowmkviii]

That wont help you need to helicoil it IMO.

 

[97MarkJA]

I would use the time sert kit.
http://www.timesert.com/html/triton_repair2.html

 

[CobraStar_LS8]

http://www.lincolnvscadillac.com/showthread.php?t=63261

 

[thehamm99]

Thanks for the thread link and the detailed report on how you made your repair.
It looks like I'm going to try the same kit you used.

I talked to a mechanic that has the "tool" to do an insert, he said and he first wanted $550. Then when I told him I don't need a plug, pack or boot, he said it was $250...even though his labor cost posted on the wall said $80 an hour.

"The tool alone costs $500" he said.
"Okay, well I don't want to buy the tool. I want to buy the repair." I said.

Lol...Why do I care what he spent on a tool?
I'm sure the auto gun they use at the oil change place costs more than $500, they don't charge you $250.

Anyways...

So, Cobra,

It's been 2 years. No problems from the repair??

 

[CobraStar_LS8]

Nope no problems yet and I do drive like I stole it

 

[94m5]

Threadsert.


Only way to go and simple to do.

 

[thehamm99]

Nope no problems yet and I do drive like I stole it

Cool. I went with the same exact sav-a-thread kit you used. just bought the kit from Amazon. Nobody near me stocks it.

I believe you said lining it up was pretty easy.

Was there any special advice you can give me?

did you apply a lot of pressure while tapping? etc.

 

[thehamm99]

3 months after heli-coil kit.

No problems with it whatsoever.

 

[isaiah3g]

Next month will make one year with mine doing a time sert. No problems. Take your time and change your oil afterwards. I used grease on the end of my kit to pick up the shavings. I also used a vacuum to stick down inside to suck up shavings. I've done a ton of driving. College killed me and my low mileage car.

 

[Markviiiedrea]

I did a $20 heli-coil kit on the 4.6 sohc in my TC and have put 20,000 miles on it. Just take your time and use lots of greese on the tap whe cutting new threads. It will catch the shaveings from falling into the cylinder. Please dont pay $500 for this, just take your time and read a few other how too's.