Failed spark plug insert removal

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Dec 21, 2021 | 04:54 AM

#16

JWA

Fleet Owner

Joined: Aug 2010

Posts: 21,255

Likes: 1,657

From: Reynoldsburg, Ohio

Quote:

Originally Posted by tiffy2000

perhaps a big enough left hand drill bit will spin it out

perhaps..........maybe.........might..........coul d happen---all this speculation isn't useful as it doesn't address the issue how to definitively remove the old insert without damaging the head.

If anyone had already done this it would be great if they added their experience---otherwise I'm back to suggesting calling Timesert or CalVan. Personally I'd be more than a bit concerned going forward on this particular project with information provided just in this thread.

Dec 21, 2021 | 10:49 AM

#17

tiffy2000

Cross-Country

Joined: Sep 2018

Posts: 62

Likes: 10

These people are located in CA and will travel but not cheap for sure

Blownoutsparkplug.com Ford Spark Plug Thread Repair

Dec 21, 2021 | 01:05 PM

#18

projectSHO89

Hotshot

Joined: Jan 2004

Posts: 19,768

Likes: 1,082

From: St Louis

Quote:

Originally Posted by tiffy2000

perhaps a big enough left hand drill bit will spin it out

If the extractor spun the insert, a LH drill bit would do the same. Apparently, the treads external to the insert (in the head) are messed up also.

Quote:

Originally Posted by tiffy2000

These people are located in CA and will travel but not cheap for sure Blownoutsparkplug.com Ford Spark Plug Thread Repair

Doesn't apply to the specific situation in this thread. This engine already has inserts, one of which has failed.

I'm at a loss to suggest anything other than pulling the head and repairing it on the workbench. Kind of hoping that someone who has BTDT will come along and add words of wisdom acquired through actual experience and prevent unnecessary work from being done. In the absence of that person, JWA's advice is probably the best provided so far in an effort to learn more.

Dec 21, 2021 | 07:05 PM

#19

MasterX

MUST GO FASTER!!!!

Joined: Aug 2020

Posts: 1,538

Likes: 356

From: Arizona

Honestly, if you drill it out, you are likely going to drop **** into the cylinder, that is a risk even if you get it to somehow unscrew.

My recommendation is pull the heads, inspect all the inserts, and if they are some crap, redo them with proper inserts with the heads off, get them done right, and while the heads are off you might as well freshen up the valves, seals, guides, etc if its in the budget since its already apart.

Once all 10 are fixed, clean the cylinders real nice and put it all back togeather. A plug blowout is what triggered me to just do a motor build and fix all 10 pre-emptively, i went all the way though, bored 030, everything resurfaced, honed, new pistons, new rods, fully rebuilt the heads, high volume oil pump, left no stone unturned.

Mar 19, 2023 | 05:22 PM

#20

posmtrhm

5th Wheeling

Joined: Jul 2013

Posts: 47

Likes: 0

Sorry to say but Heads off is the only solution at this point. I personally would get a set of heads cast 1C2E and be done with plug problems. A blown plug caused me a total overhaul also. Bought a pair of Aftermarket 100% Brand new for $2500 from ADV Cylinder Heads. I had a Cal-van fail. Sorry to say ANY ANY Insert can be trouble down the road. A cylinder CAST with 8 threads is a 100% permanent fix. You can find Ford Re-manufactured 1C2E heads all over Ebay for alot less than $2500 a pair.