Need thoughts V10 plug spit
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Freshman User
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
From: Jamestown
While 4 threads per plug hole isn't ideal, the real issue was the ridiculously light factory torque spec. A member here tested with an old, junked head and was able to get the plug to around 80 ft/lbs before the plug itself broke, not the threads. Conventional wisdom around these parts is to use a tiny dab of silver anti-seize and torque down to about 23 ft/lbs. No more plug ejection after that.
Back to the OP's found plug: that looks like a CTA plug repair kit. That kit doesn't use an insert with a shoulder that really seats against the head. HOPEFULLY it just backed itself out and didn't damage the threads. You may be able to work a new Time-Sert in there, but I wouldn't be 100% certain it won't fail again having another repair already back out.
Back to the OP's found plug: that looks like a CTA plug repair kit. That kit doesn't use an insert with a shoulder that really seats against the head. HOPEFULLY it just backed itself out and didn't damage the threads. You may be able to work a new Time-Sert in there, but I wouldn't be 100% certain it won't fail again having another repair already back out.
Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 2,107
Likes: 3
From: California Desert
They look to be relatively intact. As long as the CTA plug didn't enlarge the overall hole more than a Time-Sert needs, then it just might work.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,908
Likes: 20
From: Fort Smith, Arkansas
The failed insert has knurls at the top edge. The method of installation used on that insert type is to hammer a wedge into the insert to spread it out and dig the knurls into the head to hold it in. When I researched this job to do it on my own vehicle, I immediately excluded this type of insert.
A TimeSert installation uses red LocTite to stick it in place and it has a lip at the top edge of the insert to seat it against the head so it can't be turned in too far. The TimeSert insert is also spread apart to wedge it into the head as it is screwed in.
With the TimeSert kit the insert is better designed, the tools are much higher quality, and the kit includes cutting oil and LocTite plus a laminated instruction sheet.
CalVan is a quality kit as well, but is not as nice as the TimeSert.
You might try advertising on Craigslist or FB Marketplace in your local area to see if someone has a TimeSert kit they will loan you. Play up the angle that it is for a church van and you may find someone that will cut you a good deal.
A TimeSert installation uses red LocTite to stick it in place and it has a lip at the top edge of the insert to seat it against the head so it can't be turned in too far. The TimeSert insert is also spread apart to wedge it into the head as it is screwed in.
With the TimeSert kit the insert is better designed, the tools are much higher quality, and the kit includes cutting oil and LocTite plus a laminated instruction sheet.
CalVan is a quality kit as well, but is not as nice as the TimeSert.
You might try advertising on Craigslist or FB Marketplace in your local area to see if someone has a TimeSert kit they will loan you. Play up the angle that it is for a church van and you may find someone that will cut you a good deal.
More Turbo
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 564
Likes: 60
From: Freedom,Wi.
Not trying to scare you but had same issue with a heli coil years ago. Plug fouled out with a bad miss but I kept driving it on a trip. When back home plug came out with coil stuck to it. Did a Bigsert insert to repair but still had a miss. Pulled head and had a bent valve which probably happened during first repair but the cylinder from running a couple hundred miles with plug not firing needed to be scuffed up. Good part is the Bigsert is still in and doing good. Good luck.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 26,007
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From: Brentwood,CA
You will be fine will the time set kit. It's the only kit to use, I don't mess around with junk heli coil inserts. Make sure you use a bottle brush or a bore brush and clean with MEK or Acetone and let dry before applying the loctite.
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2016
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2011
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From: Thousand Oaks, CA
.... A TimeSert installation uses red LocTite to stick it in place and it has a lip at the top edge of the insert to seat it against the head so it can't be turned in too far. The TimeSert insert is also spread apart to wedge it into the head as it is screwed in. .... .
I thought the "lip" on the insert was actually a seat. The tap cuts threads and a seat for the insert. The insert is then torqued in like the plugs to 25ft/lbs.
There is a knub on the insert threads that another tool, which looks like a tap, pushes out into the heads cut in the head providing a bit of a mechanical lock.
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Freshman User
Joined: Jun 2005
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From: Jamestown
Timesert kit came in today. Successfully installed the #8 insert according to instructions. Scary putting those shavings down the cylinder. I blew out/ vacuumed best I could. Hope if there were any remnants, They went out the exhaust. 
Thanks for all the tips from everyone!
Test drive went ok. Now to figure out why there is a short rotational squeak/whistle after shutdown. Always something!
Thanks for all the tips from everyone!
Test drive went ok. Now to figure out why there is a short rotational squeak/whistle after shutdown. Always something!
Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,908
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From: Fort Smith, Arkansas
Or vacuum leak,
or AC blower motor
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 1,812
Likes: 88
From: Thousand Oaks, CA
It takes a lot longer, but if you coat the tap with thick grease and make short cuts most of the shavings can be caught.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 26,007
Likes: 575
From: Brentwood,CA
Timesert kit came in today. Successfully installed the #8 insert according to instructions. Scary putting those shavings down the cylinder. I blew out/ vacuumed best I could. Hope if there were any remnants, They went out the exhaust.
Thanks for all the tips from everyone!
Test drive went ok. Now to figure out why there is a short rotational squeak/whistle after shutdown. Always something!
Thanks for all the tips from everyone!
Test drive went ok. Now to figure out why there is a short rotational squeak/whistle after shutdown. Always something!
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