PI head spits plug

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Apr 5, 2010 | 06:11 PM

VAXB

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PI head spits plug

So there I was cruising through the Merrimack tunnel with 30' camper in tow and BOOM! With the echo of the tunnel and and all the noise I thought for sure I'd blown the beast. Lucky for me we were able to pull off at the end of the tunnel at the service building, before the bridge.
I got lucky again and the plug was laying on the intake. Now here's where my luck runs out, no 5/8 deep well to put plug back in. Long story short and many not so warm and loving stares from the better half, I rummage though a VDOT truck and find one!
Plug replaced and redeemed myself and truck with 3 days playing on the beach in Hatteras, even pulled a couple trucks out.
BUT! i thought this wasn't suppose to happen on the PI heads?

Apr 5, 2010 | 09:52 PM

BareBones

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From: Burnsville, MN

I thought the problem was blowing the plugs out and taking the block threads with them? Did you lose threads?

Apr 6, 2010 | 09:20 AM

dkf

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From: Pa

It will blow the plug again, the threads are probably toast or the plug backed out that far before it blew only a couple were damaged. Either way the head needs the proper repair.

Apr 6, 2010 | 09:21 AM

VAXB

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Nope, threads look perfect and went back in with no problem. Must have vibrated loose.
I'm back at home now, plan to check the other nine tonight.

Apr 6, 2010 | 09:23 AM

VAXB

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What is the proper repair? Do I have to remove the head?

Apr 6, 2010 | 12:52 PM

dkf

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From: Pa

The timesert kit or other similar insert is the correct repair for blown plugs. You do not need to remove the head to do the repair. A Helicoil is not the proper repair method.

Apr 6, 2010 | 01:16 PM

VAXB

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Thanks, I'll check'em out.

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Apr 6, 2010 | 09:53 PM

Antelope V-10

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Joined: May 2003

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My 2003 has PI heads but still only 4 threads for the plugs.

Apr 7, 2010 | 01:09 PM

#10

VAXB

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I looked very closely with a flashlight and mirror last night and it appears my truck also only has 4 threads.
I know the right thing to do is to do the timesert anyway, but the plug and treads in the head look fine. The plug goes in smooth and has no indication that there is a problem. the plug had not loosened over the 500 miles after the road side repair, the other 9 were still tight, i will drive it this weekend and check again Sunday night.
Thanks for all the help and suggestions.