Spark Plug problem

[Aimster]

lol...

The spark plugs were changed and one of them pops out when you start the engine. It doesn't go in anymore. There's nothing in there to hold it in place.

Any suggestions on how to fix this?

 

[FoBoT]

mechanic

if the spark plug hole is really stripped, you are screwed

 

[notfred]

hahaha, you're fvcked. Buy a new cylinder head.

 

[deadlyapp]

if it's stripped, you may be looking at a new head, seeing as you may not be able to tap new threads without lots of blowby.

This is why we hand tighten everything FIRST!

 

[Rogeee]

Go to your local auto parts store and purchase either Timesert or Heli-coil (14MM),make sure you grease the tap before tapping new threads in your cylinder head,otherwise the chips will end up inside the cylinder.

 

[iamwiz82]

helicoil

 

[Aimster]

lol how much do cylinder heads go for?

 

[giantpinkbunnyhead]

If you had a shop do the plug change... I think they owe you a new cylinder head. If you did the change... sucks to be you!

Are you sure it's a problem with the spark plug socket, and you didn't maybe get a mis-formed spark plug or something?

 

[Vette73]

Originally posted by: iamwiz82
helicoil

Yep. Go to juts about any parts house (Advance, autozone, etc...) and they have spark plug repair kits.

 

[Aimster]

Positive there is a problem with the spark plug socket.

Will this heli-coil stuff work?

 

[SparkyJJO]

Originally posted by: giantpinkbunnyhead
If you had a shop do the plug change... I think they owe you a new cylinder head. If you did the change... sucks to be you!

QFT

 

[Rogeee]

When properly installed,a Heli-coil or Timesert is stronger than the original thread.

 

[Linflas]

Originally posted by: Aimster
Positive there is a problem with the spark plug socket.

Will this heli-coil stuff work?

Used to have this happen a lot on air cooled Beetles. Never had a problem with the heli-coils I had put in to fix it.

 

[jemcam]

Originally posted by: Aimster
Positive there is a problem with the spark plug socket.

Will this heli-coil stuff work?

Do not attempt this repair unless you know what you're doing. Pay a shop to do it. If you screw this up, you'll have no choice than to buy a new head. $$$$$$$$$$

 

[Colt45]

helicoil ftw

 

[skyking]

Originally posted by: crustyoldman
When properly installed,a Heli-coil or Timesert is stronger than the original thread.

Quoted for the absolute truth. The helicoil is extremely strong, and acts as an interface with more material in the head. Many high performance applications rely on helicoils.

 

[Linflas]

Originally posted by: jemcam

Originally posted by: Aimster
Positive there is a problem with the spark plug socket.

Will this heli-coil stuff work?

Do not attempt this repair unless you know what you're doing. Pay a shop to do it. If you screw this up, you'll have no choice than to buy a new head. $$$$$$$$$$

QFT. It always seemed that it would be something that required a bit of practice to do correctly. Even though I could rebuild Beetle engines I always paid to get heli-coils put in.

 

[Krazefinn]

Although not difficult to perform the installation, drilling incorrect size or not perfectly perpendicular, or retapping threads off center, would mean pulling the head.
The grease on the tap is to hold the shavings before they drop into cylinder, but invariably some does, besure to only go down a short distance, remove tap, clean shards, go in again a little further( DONT RETHREAD IN ONE SHOT)..an air hose will blow most of it out if intake valve closed and exhaust is open. The few particles that remain inside "should" just blow out on startup. If its anywhere near time for a valvejob or timing belt, I'd consider pulling head for best results...

Use anti-seize compound on all aluminum heads, or removal of the stuck plugs will pull out the threads. It may not have happened during reinstallation, could weel be during old plug removal. NEVER REMOVE plugs from HOT HEAD! Let it cool first.