opinions on head inserts

[Guest]

my number 3 spark plug blew out taking the threads in the head with it yesterday (10 miles short of 145K miles on the bike)

my buddy knows a machine shop that can install a insert in the plug hole.
he says the insert is similar to a helicoil but it is "staked" in place to prevent it from coming out.

does any one have any experience with inserts, and are they a good permanent fix?

[moto_dan]

Re: opinions on head inserts

my number 3 spark plug blew out taking the threads in the head with it yesterday (10 miles short of 145K miles on the bike)

my buddy knows a machine shop that can install a insert in the plug hole.
he says the insert is similar to a helicoil but it is "staked" in place to prevent it from coming out.

does any one have any experience with inserts, and are they a good permanent fix?

Yep, I used one on a old VW bug that lost a plug, threads and all. I installed it without removing the head, by using grease on the tap then vacuuming out the plug hole. Think it was called an Spark plug repair kit and it came with everything necessary to perform the task for about $15 a AZ. Can't truthfully speak as to the permanency of the repair since we sold the VW several months later, but I would try it on one of my bikes as opposed to buying a new head.

[focus frenzy]

thanks Dan, I may give that a try.

[Hoomgar]

Paparo has sent heads out to have this done. I have never heard of any problems with it.

[cloudbreakmd]

We did this on an old Benz about 8 years ago. It's held up just fine.

[duaneage]

Maybe there is a computer chip in the head that detected 145,000 miles coming up and quickly did something to prevent the bike from reaching that milestone????????

[Buffalo Breath]

insert

the insert is called a, keen-sert. it is a solid insert, that has stake pins on the sides, after you install it you thread a bolt in to the threads or special tool and it expands the stakes, they work better than a helicoil I think you can still buy the kits, you can maybe get one at a import parts store that sells vw stuff, if you want check out, newmantools.com and see the system drawings, listed as key-lock inserts,

[focus frenzy]

thanks guys! I will look for those keen-sert/ key lock inserts tomorrow.