Stripped Glow Plug Threads
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Senior User
Joined: May 2002
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Stripped Glow Plug Threads
I have one glow plug hole with stripped threads. I actually noticed it a year ago when I was replacing the glow plugs. I forced the new glow plug into the stripped threads as far as I possibly could. It has been fine for a year now.
Now I am planning on towing a heavy load over 1,000 miles so I am revisiting the idea of a better solution. One day diesel had pooled around the glow plug and when the engine was running, there were tiny bubbles coming through it so I know it isn't sealing perfectly.
My question is, do you guys think I can get away with leaving this the way it is, or do you think it is likely to blow out at some point? The plug is in about 2/3 of the way, and probably has 100 ft pounds on it when I tightened it in. I checked it the other day and it is still so tight that I cannot not tighten it any further. The engine runs great, I don't want to mess with it unless I have to. What do you think?
Now I am planning on towing a heavy load over 1,000 miles so I am revisiting the idea of a better solution. One day diesel had pooled around the glow plug and when the engine was running, there were tiny bubbles coming through it so I know it isn't sealing perfectly.
My question is, do you guys think I can get away with leaving this the way it is, or do you think it is likely to blow out at some point? The plug is in about 2/3 of the way, and probably has 100 ft pounds on it when I tightened it in. I checked it the other day and it is still so tight that I cannot not tighten it any further. The engine runs great, I don't want to mess with it unless I have to. What do you think?
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Senior User
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I thought of another question to add. If I am towing cross country and the plug blew out, would I be stranded? Maybe I will take a bolt assortment with me in case I need to jam something in tho seal the hole? ooh ooh, could I tack the glow plug to the head?
Cargo Master
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 2,123
Likes: 5
From: Fort Worth, TX
I would leave it alone if it has been in there and running fine for a while. I would also get out of the habit of stripping glow plug holes. HAHA.
If it does blow out, you would lose compression in that cylinder and be running on 7 of 8. I don't imagine it causing any damage past the glow-plug sized hole in your hood.
If it does blow out, you would lose compression in that cylinder and be running on 7 of 8. I don't imagine it causing any damage past the glow-plug sized hole in your hood.
Lead Driver
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 6,496
Likes: 94
From: So. Jersey
You can get a tap from Napa or other fine stores for cheap and just chase the threads. It's a metric 10 x 1.00mm tap.
Remove old glow plug.
Coat the flutes of the tap with grease to catch any debris.
Screw in the tap making sure it is straight.
The tap should pick up on the threads and guide itself in, so all you need to do is screw it in clockwise.
When you feel it bottom out, simply unscrew it, counterclockwise.
Replace glowplug with a new Motorcraft Beru plug with anti-sieze on the threads.
I would repair it now, so there is no chance of a problem hundreds of miles from home along the side of a highway.
Remove old glow plug.
Coat the flutes of the tap with grease to catch any debris.
Screw in the tap making sure it is straight.
The tap should pick up on the threads and guide itself in, so all you need to do is screw it in clockwise.
When you feel it bottom out, simply unscrew it, counterclockwise.
Replace glowplug with a new Motorcraft Beru plug with anti-sieze on the threads.
I would repair it now, so there is no chance of a problem hundreds of miles from home along the side of a highway.
Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 2,216
Likes: 0
From: Princeton MN
Woulnt hurt it a bit to roll it over with the plug out, and blow any remaining chips out of there.
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Postmaster
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 3,560
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the big fear with doing so is the chance of the damaged plug breaking off during removal, leaving you a totally dead plug that leaks, and very little confidence for the cross-country run.
also, i've had experience with bolts and spark plugs with stripped threads like that grab onto the head and tear off large amounts of metal, and becoming all but impossible to remove.
leaving it how it is is very unlikely to blow out, and if it does, you are reduced to running on 7 cylinders, with 1 injector essentially blowing fuel out to the atmosphere, and a very annoying sound of air blowing out that hole every time the piston comes up. in the event of such a failure, i would drive it only as far as needed to fix it.
so know your options and your risks before picking up the wrench!
also, i've had experience with bolts and spark plugs with stripped threads like that grab onto the head and tear off large amounts of metal, and becoming all but impossible to remove.
leaving it how it is is very unlikely to blow out, and if it does, you are reduced to running on 7 cylinders, with 1 injector essentially blowing fuel out to the atmosphere, and a very annoying sound of air blowing out that hole every time the piston comes up. in the event of such a failure, i would drive it only as far as needed to fix it.
so know your options and your risks before picking up the wrench!
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