Help with spark plugs

[redsport4x4]

I am on my last spark plug and I can not get it to thread in. I've put a little lube on the threads and tried to clean the threads on the engine, but it still will not turn. I am afraid they may be stripping. Any ideas?

Thanks

 

[joehawk]

You could try using a spark plug hole thread chaser. I would make sure the piston is a the top, and put thick grease around the threads to catch any metal filings that might fall back into the cylinder. Then clean the grease out of the threads, along with the metal filinings, before you thread in the spark plug.

 

[redsport4x4]

Originally posted by joehawk
You could try using a spark plug hole thread chaser. I would make sure the piston is a the top, and put thick grease around the threads to catch any metal filings that might fall back into the cylinder. Then clean the grease out of the threads, along with the metal filinings, before you thread in the spark plug.

I would guess I pick up a spark plug hole thread chaser at the Auto Parts store? How does it work?

I am afraid the beginning of the threads are stripped. What would I do in that case?

Thanks for the reply.

 

[joehawk]

It cleans and can cut new threads if not too damaged. Looks like one on this site http://www.mfgsupply.com/m/c/32-9031.html . If it doesn't work, it won't cost much to try it. This next site gives some pretty good advice on how to use it. It may be able to cut new threads if the old ones are not too stripped. Make sure it is really straight when you turn it in. http://www.outboardrepairs.com/topics/003827.html . Otherwise you have to pull the head, and put in a helicoil type repair. It is important to use a little anti-seize compound when putting in any spark plugs if the head is aluminum. If you don't it can strip out part of the aluminum threads in the head when you take them out in a few years. I use a little even when the head is made of steel just in case.

 

[jobunn]

Thanks for the reply.

I heard too many horror stories of shavings in the cylinder so I just took it to a shop. I didn't want to further scew it up. They drilled a new thread (it was barely stripped but enough to make it impossible to get a new plug in) and got the plug in w/o taking the head out. Runs like new now.