'79 GS 850 Spark plug cross threaded

[Michigander]

I purchased the one SqDancerLynn1 suggested:

http://www.jcwhitney.com/spark-plug-re-threading-kit/p2004267.jcwx?skuId=166971&_requestid=1650183

The kit included safety instructions about using thread locking compound, but none was included What is the best thing I can do from here?

[979roadrunner]

If no tool was included, I'd try red Locktite, Or whatever threadlocker was included / recomended in th kit. If no recomendation, red Locktite.
Usualy, though, the instalation tool is also the expander tool, I believe.
It's been a while since I had to use one of these, but if my memory serves, I believe you thread the insert onto the instal tool, screw it in, then give it a medium hard rap with a hammer, then back the tool out?
any one use one of these more recently than me?

[bwringer]

I haven't seen that type of kit before. It's not the one with the two-step tap and the swaging tool, so don't hit it with a hammer.

I'd use a few drops of red Loctite on the outside of the insert, thread in a spark plug, using plenty of anti-seize on the plug, then use the plug/insert assembly to install the insert.

Just watch for it to come out with the plug next time you change the plug (if it does, re-insert it with the new plug the same way), but other than that it should work fine.

[Michigander]

alright, thanks for all the help!

I got they cylinder to fire and things are lookin better.

[979roadrunner]

Wonderful! Enjoy your bike!

[TheCafeKid]

The TimeSerts are EXCELLENT for aluminium heads. My stepdads Lumina literally BLEW a spark plug out of the alu head. He tried and cussed for two days with Heli-coils, and god knows how much aluminium he dropped into the cylinder, but I went to the store and bought him a TimeSert kit, and worked like a charm...of course, a few months later, the tranny bit the dust.. Fuggin GM junk...

[Nessism]

Timeserts are nice but the kits are expensive. Those elcheapo solid insert kits should be fine but as Brian says, watch it so it doesn't come out.

[979roadrunner]

The TimeSerts are EXCELLENT for aluminium heads. My stepdads Lumina literally BLEW a spark plug out of the alu head. He tried and cussed for two days with Heli-coils, and god knows how much aluminium he dropped into the cylinder, but I went to the store and bought him a TimeSert kit, and worked like a charm...of course, a few months later, the tranny bit the dust.. Fuggin GM junk...

I've watched dozens of Lumina sedans go 300k+ miles on the original drivetrain, so they ain't junk.
Your father either had a rare bad one or someone didn't change the trans fluid and filter at the recommended intervals, or beat the hell out of it.
Vegas, Citations, and Aveos, on the other hand....