Best way to repair spark plug threads in place?

[LarryJ]

Well, while doing a compression test on Miss"Suzi"Terry('82 1100GK), I cross threaded going into #2 plug.

It's fudged!

So, what is the best was to repair it in-place? Helicoil? Timesert?

Well, at least compression is good on all cylinders@135-145psi.

Just wish that compression tested had threads that weren't so sharp!

It's a real pain when you screw something up that you should have known better!

 

[Guest]

I did that on my 850 once, managed to rethread it with spark plug hole threader. Coated it with oil/grease, can't remember which. Just went forward a small amount then backed it out and cleaned off the metal, then threaded it back in a bit more with new grease on it. Worked great. After that the spark plug would start to thread in a little loose but once you got down more it would tighten right up. Just always had to keep in mind to be extra careful taking out and putting in that specific plug.

 

[LarryJ]

Cool ! Thanks for the supportive suggestion.

 

[Johno]

Try a plug chaser

Try a plug chaser

You may not need an insert just a chaser to clean up the thread.

http://www.tridon.com.au/Products/Pr...&G=599&P=64356

I have used a chaser on my bike with great success when I thought I had stripped the thread.

 

[tom203]

You may not need an insert just a chaser to clean up the thread.

http://www.tridon.com.au/Products/Pr...&G=599&P=64356

I have used a chaser on my bike with great success when I thought I had stripped the thread.

Yes indeed, just put some thick grease on chaser so any chips stick to it.

 

[Guest]

You tightened it all the way down? If you just started it a tap will clean things up with grease to catch the shavings.

 

[LarryJ]

The thread chaser tap worked!
Cleaned up the threads today with a chaser tap.
The spark plug is in straight & tight!

 

[Guest]

Fantastic, talk about an 'oh crap' moment turning to a 'dynoooomight' one. Good news.

 

[Johno]

The thread chaser tap worked!
Cleaned up the threads today with a chaser tap.
The spark plug is in straight & tight!

Good news!!!! I've experienced the ups and downs with cross threading a plug. it is a great feeling when you get things cleaned up and seating properly again.

 

[LarryJ]

Now, I am tackling the broken cam cover bolt. I need to get a tap & the correct drill bit for it. I already have the bolt cut off at the head & a pilot hole started. Now , I have to finish it & get a new cam cover. Had two bolts rusted solid into the cam cover. Worked one out. The other one broke at the head.

 

[spaytons]

You ever try 'easy outs'? They're like reversed drill bills. I use them here at work and used them on some trucks I've owned. Might save the drilling and tapping. I think you can get a set for less than 10.

 

[razor02097]

Yes many have tried easy outs....and many will never try them again.

 

[RobG1970]

You ever try 'easy outs'? They're like reversed drill bills. I use them here at work and used them on some trucks I've owned. Might save the drilling and tapping. I think you can get a set for less than 10.

Don’t use a easy out on this project, just drill out the broken screw. The aluminum fused with steal screw and now are ONE. The easy out will just break off inside and then you have to take a dremel and dig it out.. I suggest getting a left hand drill bit one size smaller then the treads, drill down the center of the broken bolt and then re-tap it with the correct 6mm tap. How I know this, is I did the above the hard way, and while digging out the bolt went through the side of the head and had to pay a welder to come in and fill the hole with aluminum at 80 bucks a hour.. BTW it took him longer to set up the welder than to weld it.. so about 10min total for 80 bucks… NOT A GOOD TIME WAS HAD... you can get the left hand drill bit at mendars, and Ace Hardward sells the new bolt.
Good Luck,

Rob

 

[spaytons]

The aluminum fused with steal screw and now are ONE.

Eck! Good point. Ignore my suggestion.

 

[LarryJ]

Now,I just need to find a reasonable & instock local place forp the tap & the tap drill bit .

 

[RobG1970]

Now,I just need to find a reasonable & instock local place forp the tap & the tap drill bit .

do you have a Ace Hardware near you>???

 

[LarryJ]

Yes. Do they sell individual metric taps? & left ha9nded drill bits?

 

[Steve]

Yes. Do they sell individual metric taps? & left ha9nded drill bits?

For not much more than the price of three or four individual taps, you can get a 40- or 50-piece tap and die set. Eventually you will thank yourelf.

Believe it or not, you can get a set of five left-handed drill bits at Auto Zone for about $12.

.

 

[RobG1970]

Yes. Do they sell individual metric taps? & left ha9nded drill bits?

sure do and the Larger store sell them some times as a kit together.

you are going to need a 6mm tap and a 5mm drill bit...

also if you have a home depot near you, the sell them also..

http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc...d=-1&keyword=tap&storeId=10051#specifications

 

[LarryJ]

Did get the 6mm tap & the drill bit (not left-handed) at an Ace Hardware. Also got the replacement bolt there too.
Looks like I am set for this repair job.

Thanks guys! Hope that I can return the favor sometime!