Welcome to the all new Geo Metro Forum. We hope you enjoy your visit.You're currently viewing our forum as a guest. This means you are limited to certain areas of the board and there are features you can't use and images you can't see. Registration is simple, fast, and completely free. If you're already a member please log in to your account to access all of our features: Join our community! |
| Stripped Spark Plug Threads; HeliCoil or Time-Sert | |
|---|---|
| Tweet Topic Started: Jun 10 2010, 03:44 PM (2,463 Views) | |
| snowfish | Jun 10 2010, 03:44 PM Post #1 |
|
Basic GearHead
![]()
|
Seems the previous owner didn't know what AntiSeize was. Plus they must have over tightened the plugs. Threads are still there, but barely. Only one out of the three will reach 21ftlbs without that gut wrenching, sinking, feeling when the threads are about to let loose. I plan to put inserts in all 3 to make them all solid. Which do you prefer? The HeliCoils or Time-Serts? Also, can this be done safely without removing the head? |
![]() |
|
| mjspiess | Jun 10 2010, 04:45 PM Post #2 |
![]()
|
I have 1 heli-coil in my '89 Ford Probe GT. The last time I changed my plugs, it came out with the plug! I was unable to remove the plug from the heli-coil so I went out on a limb and put a thin layer of JB Weld around the heli-coil, torqued it back into my head, let it sit over night & the plug came out, heli-coil stayed in I'm not sure what the difference is btw the 2 you're asking about, but the heli-coil works well if it stays in your head! I'm not sure if I'd mess with the other 2 if you are able to torque them, but that's your call. If you're going to do it with your head attached, it'd be best to have a buddy next to you with a shop vac or something to sweep up any shavings.
|
![]() |
|
| rmcelwee | Jun 10 2010, 08:29 PM Post #3 |
![]()
|
I have never put any in BUT I did have a Miata where a something that looked like a time-sert came out when I backed the plug out. I destroyed it trying to get it off the plug and got nervous as hell that I would never be able to fix the engine. After tracking down 3 other owners of the car I found that it was a insert from NAPA. The package says 2129 at the top and is labeled 3/4" Long, 14mm spark plug rethreader. It also says Napa Service Tools and professional 900 series. When I put it in I put some red loctite on it so it wouldn't back out again. Just letting you know there is another option that is probably available where you are. Edited by rmcelwee, Jun 10 2010, 08:30 PM.
|
![]() |
|
| snowfish | Jun 10 2010, 09:00 PM Post #4 |
|
Basic GearHead
![]()
|
Interesting that more have not run into stripped plugs. From my surfing around, it seems the time-Sert might be better since it spreads the sleeve at the bottom. I did a little experiment...............The old plugs were way shot, so I installed a fresh set. I didn't check to see if it was 21ftlbs, but installed them "snowmobile style". Meaning snug, feel the wash compress, the snug with hand on top of the ratchet, not the handle. Seems to be holding. I'll double check the torque tomorrow. Don't want to mess with success. |
![]() |
|
| Horn | Jun 11 2010, 11:18 AM Post #5 |
![]()
|
yea if it holds thats cool. Im still scared to use helicoil and all that. I would take the head off take it to the machine shop and get some threads in it/clean it up. then replace the headgasket while at it. I know it is more work. I had the same problem in an escort except the plug stayed in the head. The hex on the plug also came out. to make a long story short. had to take the head off took it to the shop. come to find out I had a cracked head and I think the water getting into the cylinder helped with locking the plug in. but mj and rm make a good point put something on the helicoil to keep it in there if you decide to use it. good luck and hopefully you have an easy fix Edited by Horn, Jun 11 2010, 11:19 AM.
|
![]() |
|
| Fireball 89 | Jun 11 2010, 12:23 PM Post #6 |
|
2.4 Cylinders of Determination
![]()
|
I've learned to address the chips generated: to prepare the bore for the Helicoil/Time-Serts (I've used Helicoil and not had the opportunity to use Time-Serts), grease a cord and feed it into the spark plug hole, you may have to move the piston down into the bore (rotate crankshaft), so that the greased cord makes a floor for the chips to fall on AND stick. Of course, shop-vac all the chips within the bore as best you can. At this point I would use a hemostat (scissor-like giant tweezer, with long tweezing jaws) to grab and remove the greased cord with chips and again shop-vac. Do not discount those long wood handled Q-tip swabs to chase errant chips. Others may recommend fully installing the threaded insert, then removing the greased cord. Do your research, take your time, good luck. Edward |
![]() |
|
| rmcelwee | Jun 11 2010, 07:25 PM Post #7 |
![]()
|
When I drilled/tapped my Miata oil pan for a turbo oil return I put grease on the drill/tap and then used a shop vac (turned around backwards so it would blow) to pressurize the engine and blow any chips out so they would not get in there. You might try something similar. Perhaps blow in the intake with the intake valve open so it will pressurize the cylinder. |
![]() |
|
| mcmancuso | Jun 11 2010, 11:54 PM Post #8 |
![]()
|
I did a helicoil in my 99 metro http://geometroforum.com/topic/3256850/1/ make sure you use the hammer tool to spread the toothed top section into the block, this stops it from backing out with the plug. I used the middle length insert and put a lot of grease on the tap, this caught most of the chips of metal, what was left I picked up with grease on the end of a screwdriver.
Edited by mcmancuso, Jun 11 2010, 11:55 PM.
|
![]() |
|
| mwebb | Jun 12 2010, 12:08 AM Post #9 |
|
FOG
![]()
|
the threaded inserts are much better than helicoils , for the reasons already mentioned do not give two thoughts to the chips do not use a drill , the tap for the insert does all the cutting , apply grease to it to catch what chips it may . make sure piston is down and there is no open valve in the path of the spark plug thread while turning in the thread cutting tool remove the cutting tool , then start the engine on the remaining cylinders with the damaged spark plug thread removed ... rev the piss out of it for 30 seconds any chips remaining will be put into orbit and the threads will be cleaned . then use brake parts cleaner on the threads and then start the engine on the remaining cylinders with the damaged spark plug thread removed ... rev the piss out of it for 30 seconds , the brake parts cleaner residue will be blasted into orbit . then proceed as per the instructions in the kit. |
![]() |
|
| Coche Blanco | Jun 12 2010, 12:12 AM Post #10 |
|
Troll Certified
![]()
|
never thought of that mwebb.
Edited by Coche Blanco, Jun 12 2010, 12:13 AM.
|
![]() |
|
| snowfish | Jun 12 2010, 10:20 PM Post #11 |
|
Basic GearHead
![]()
|
Thanks. I'm ordering a Time-Sert Kit on Monday. Since two out of the three are questionable, I'll probably do all three. Then we'll be done. Can't wait to get this whole project rolling. Watch for a new project forum shortly.
Edited by snowfish, Jun 12 2010, 10:21 PM.
|
![]() |
|
| rmcelwee | Jun 13 2010, 04:03 PM Post #12 |
![]()
|
That was one reason that I suggested the insert that I had. You just drive to NAPA and pick it up. No need to mail order anything. |
![]() |
|
| mcmancuso | Jun 13 2010, 05:19 PM Post #13 |
![]()
|
Same here, Oreilly had helicoil, and I needed it immediately. |
![]() |
|
| 1 user reading this topic (1 Guest and 0 Anonymous) | |
![]() ZetaBoards gives you all the tools to create a successful discussion community. Learn More · Sign-up for Free |
|
| « Previous Topic · Engine Tech & Diagnostics · Next Topic » |


Welcome to the all new Geo Metro Forum. We hope you enjoy your visit.

Plus they must have over tightened the plugs. Threads are still there, but barely. Only one out of the three will reach 21ftlbs without that gut wrenching, sinking, feeling when the threads are about to let loose.




I'm not sure what the difference is btw the 2 you're asking about, but the heli-coil works well if it stays in your head! I'm not sure if I'd mess with the other 2 if you are able to torque them, but that's your call. If you're going to do it with your head attached, it'd be best to have a buddy next to you with a shop vac or something to sweep up any shavings.
Watch for a new project forum shortly. 
7:40 PM Jul 10