stripped spark plug thread
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 1,907
Likes: 763
From: Hillsborough NJ
Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 2,075
Likes: 101
From: Marana, Arizona
I tried greasing the drill bit and tap when I drilled a block for a dipstick tube. (Not Ford) I even put a shop vac nozzle as close as possible to catch even more metal. I had to change the oil pan anyway to a rear sump and glad I did. I was shocked to see how much metal made it into the pan. I even stopped many times to clean, vacuum and re grease along the way. I'll never do it again. Cast iron block.
Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,094
Likes: 654
From: Brentwood, TN
Timeserts gained popularity with the introduction of aluminum block engines, ala GM Northstar. These engines were notorious for headbolts pulling free from the block. Serious builders would always install timeserts in all the headbolt holes anytime they had the engines down for repair.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 1,907
Likes: 763
From: Hillsborough NJ
Timeserts gained popularity with the introduction of aluminum block engines, ala GM Northstar. These engines were notorious for headbolts pulling free from the block. Serious builders would always install timeserts in all the headbolt holes anytime they had the engines down for repair.
More Turbo
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 714
Likes: 257
From: Sunshine Coast, BC
Yes, use something like a timesert. There are others as well specifically for spark plugs. Some are sold in good auto parts stores. When using a standard heli-coil there is some risk of it screwing in through the spark plug hole and falling into the cylinder when the spark plug is installed.
The PO of my Desoto did this to it.
Neat.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 27,297
Likes: 1,059
From: NM
That doesn't even appear to be a real Heli-coil. I have heard of people winding wire onto the plug threads, it probably worked on low-compression engines.
Tuned
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 322
Likes: 45
From: La Center WA
When I was 17 decades ago a friend of mines mom had a 60s small olds or buick with the aluminum motor that had a cross threaded spark plug he couldn't get to tighten down. He got his impact wrench and pounded that sucker in.He said in the typical fashion of Derek from vice grip garage on you tube,we'll just pretend we didn't see that.It lasted that way for years.Watch vice grip garage if you haven't seen it yet. His dry midwest humor is fun to watch.I didn't know we had you tube on our comcast digital till my granddaughter said grandpa you tell the remote you want you tube and it comes on.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 9,371
Likes: 1,731
From: AKRON ohio
Whenever I suspect something in the cylinder for example the 5.4 spark plugs break off and using the Lyle tool it will cut into the porcelain and some times the electrode will break off. I use a shop vac with adapters to get a small hose into the cyl and after I’ve bore scoped the cylinder I will start the engine with the plug out to blow anything left over out the plug hole.
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More Turbo
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 714
Likes: 257
From: Sunshine Coast, BC
Thankfully the plugs are over the valves and not the piston on this motor but boy howdy. It's a mercy it didn't break off after cycling with the valve for who knows how long.
Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 2,927
Likes: 135
From: Houston
All the talk about thread repair is technically interesting, but I'll ask a different question. Why not just swap on a different head? Cast iron Ford 8BA heads are cheaper than the more expensive thread options and someone in your area probably has a spare. If you are lucky they also have a spare gasket.
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