Well..... changed heads for more compression and while ****oning it up found #4 spark plug hole is stripped. I’ve read about helicoil timesert anyone have experience.? Thanks
That’s what I did. But I pulled the head and had the shop do it. I figure someone will let you know if you can do it on the block still? I owned the car for another 5 years and it was never an issue
I've used those spark plug thread repair kits many times on VW heads, never had any problems. The kit that comes with the tap and inserts, and the punch that sets them. But i always just used red loc***e on the insert.
I have done it at the race track on the car. I put heavy grease on the tap to catch the chips. I give the tap a few turns then I remove it and clean it then start over. I do this a few times until the new threads are in. Not much to it.
The Time-Sert kits work really well. Not cheap, though. If you're doing this on the engine, make sure the valves are closed before starting to re-tap the spark plug threads. I recently caused myself a bunch of grief on my kids' dirt bike when I forgot to do this and bent the exhaust valve in the process of fixing the threads.
I think that the TimeSert solid threaded insert is a more durable repair than a HeliCoil type. They are not cheap and have the extra step of cutting the top counter bore. They also have a mechanical lock when the installation tool looks the bottom threads. You can also use a liquid lock as additional insurance. So if this is something you plan on keeping, I think the extra cost is worth it.
Years ago I had a foreign car repair shop in Springerville ,Az. A little town up in eastern Az. A guy in a fisherman's slicker comes pushing an old step through Suzuki motorcycle up my driveway. He told me was from Washington and was on his way to New Orleans to go to work on an off shore drilling rig . He blew the spark plug out and someone had sent him to me. I pulled the head and went the parts store and got him a Heli-coil to repair his cylinder head. I greased up his old head gasket and stuck it back together and told him he didn't owe me a thing . I told him if he had enough guts to run that 80cc dirt bike that far. It was the least I could do to help him out. I gave him my card and told him to drop me a line and let me know if he made it. I didn't think anymore about and about 6 months later I get a letter from him. He made it all the way to New Orleans and got the job and had enclosed 40 dollars to cover the repair. Stayed in touch with him for years.
Bring it up to TDC and stuff a Tac Rag in the cylinder . Tap it out with plenty of grease on the tap . when your done fish the Tac Rag out of the cylinder with a pic or piece of wire . The Tac Rag being sticky will catch the chips that fall in .
Got the thread tool Ordered new head and intake gaskets ....****s but rather finish right than not...plus where am I in a rush to go.?..
I bet you run a spark plug in the holes before you install this head ! I always check even brand new heads.
Well... Pulled the head and the kit I bought was for aluminum heads. Ordered it through the phone. Couldn't shop for it..oh well ordered one for cast iron Just another week to wait... Could be worse..
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