Need suggestions on replacing a stripped spark plug

[Jennie '00]

I blew a plug and had it fixed at a shop with a Heli-coil save-a-thread. Long story short the Save-a-thread lasted about 250 miles before stripping out in the head. I finally got the plug out of the truck but now I'm at a loss on how to fix it.

I doubt I can use another Save-a-thread as the hole is probably to big for the threads to grab anymore. The Dorman Cylinder Head Repair Kit will have the same diameter as the Save-a-thread so that won't grab either. I would love any suggestions. Thanks!

 

[stamp11127]

Check TimeSert, a Ford mechanic I know stated they have 3 sizes available but I haven't verified the claim.

 

[2004XLT]

I'm in the same position. I'm looking into the Time Sert kit specifically for the Ford Trition engine. I'll also need the Big Sert kit because I need to go even larger since the sleeve blew out of the head also. Expensive but supposedly worth it. Good luck and interested to see what you end up doing.

 

[stangracr]

I just had the same problem. I used the kit from ATD for 2V (2000 Expy) 5.4. Worked like a champ and was relatively simple. Just head to harbor freight or the like and get a $6.99 extendable air blower for the shavings in the cylinder (I chose not to use grease to catch the shavings).

 

[1955moose]

Stangracr, don't you mean a vacuum? The last thing you would want to do is blow shavings into a cylinder! You will need a narrow vacuum top, to suck up any shavings that might fall in combustion chamber. Keep in mind anytime you do a spark plug thread repair on the vehicle, theirs always the gamble that you won't catch every piece of debris. When we used to do this on motorcycle heads, we used to position crankshaft on engine, so Exaust valve was just about to open, that way the theory was it would blow out Exaust. If you take your time, vacuum all shavings well along with dirt and gunk, that accumulates outside of hole, you'll be fine!


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[Bedrck47]

TIME-SERT THREAD REPAIR CONTACT FORM

 

[stangracr]

Stangracr, don't you mean a vacuum? The last thing you would want to do is blow shavings into a cylinder! You will need a narrow vacuum top, to suck up any shavings that might fall in combustion chamber. Keep in mind anytime you do a spark plug thread repair on the vehicle, theirs always the gamble that you won't catch every piece of debris. When we used to do this on motorcycle heads, we used to position crankshaft on engine, so Exaust valve was just about to open, that way the theory was it would blow out Exaust. If you take your time, vacuum all shavings well along with dirt and gunk, that accumulates outside of hole, you'll be fine!


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No. I made sure I was at BDC (valves closed) and used air pressure (150psi) to blow the debris OUT of the cylinder. The ATD kit comes with a tool for making sure the valves are closed. Trust me, you will see it come out. I also used an endoscope, $18.99 on Amazon, attached to my computer to check inside the cylinder. 100% of the debris didn't come out, but the head is made of really soft (read:shoddy) aluminum so the small amount left really did no harm. This was verified again by using said endoscope after running the engine. I'm not saying this is the best way to do the repair, only giving my $.02 and sharing what I
experienced. All that being said, anything you can do to ensure no shavings will help, but the ATD kit is cheaper and worked great for me. BTW, in no way am I affiliated with ATD, etc. I just think sometimes cheaper is just as good if not better.

 

[1955moose]

The only concern I have is how is the quality of the insert itself? Does it lock in well, and stay locked? The rest sounds cool. What I would have given back in the 70's for a camera hooked to a computer. In those days, we had to use grease on tap, vacuum out remains, and pray!


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[2004XLT]

The Time Sert inserts are really good quality. For my application I had to install an insert within a larger insert. I did a dry run to see how they fit together and it is spot on..as far as locking in goes, I have driven almost 2000 miles since the repair with two inserts and it hasn't failed, I don't expect it to any time soon either. The final 2 or 3 threads of the insert are cold rolled when you use the insertion tool.