stripped spark plug

[jrcrum]

hey I got a 86 dl i just bought, went to do a tune up and found besides the fact that the electroids on the plugs were completely gone that my number 4 cyclinder hole was stripped, does anybody got any ideas, helicoil????? or try to find a new head, tried a thread chaser and car would barely start when i got it all put back together and exhuasted vapors out that cyclinder.

[TurboXT]

Had the same thing happen to my brat. I tried a helicoil, and it still didn't hold, but I found out later, that I was supposed to lube the helicoil before putting it in the head......OOPS!!!!!

 

Helicoils kinda suck, and if you can get a head, I would go that route.

 

Rick

[torxxx]

well the hole is already fuct, so take a new plug, bung the threads up on the spark plug, put it back in the hole with a socket and extention on hit and turn it by hand and when it stops, hit the back of the extention with a hammer and then turn it some more. keep doing that until it gets in a turn or two with hammering and turning.

 

It will work. I blew out my #4 spark plug 2 months ago in the middle of the night. -30F outside and my girlfriend was with me. No way in hell I was gonna call someone or walk, so I did what I explained above. Car is still driving and has full power.

 

If it doesnt work, then you can replace the head.

[Mark Humble]

Helicoils do work, but only if they are installed correctly. There is a Heli-Coil brand kit to do it right. However it costs too much for most people. I have it because I use it a lot at work. So the best thing to do is find someone who has the kit and have them install a Heli-Coil of the right length. It can be done without removing the head.