I tore down my 3.0 and replaced the head gaskets. Went great. Followed my Haynes manual and everything worked out great....except 1 thing. When I had the heads off I chased out the spark plug holes. I had been having probs with #4 plug threads for years. Well, after chasing out hole I determined the threads were not in good condition. So, I decided to tap it out and put a helicoil insert in. I must have screwed that up. Plug blew out and hole reamed smooth. Do they make a larger tap with a thicker insert? Or is there any other fix for this? Thank God it is #4 plug, the easiest one to get to.

 

Maaaannn, thats messed up! I'v seen some big helicoils, so you might have a chance. Go really slow. Lots of grease. I feel for ya.

 

might have more luck with a "threadsert" now that the hole is larger and the helicoil won't work. McMaster-Carr is a good source, just look up threadsert and find the size reduction you need. Or just get a new head from this guy. https://www.yotatech.com/forums/showthread.php?t=101251

 

 

I agree with the threadserts... standard helicoils generally don't hold up to spark plug use. Try going to an auto parts store and look for a spark plug thread repair that uses a solid thread repair instead of the coil. This can be done with the head on the engine if done carefully. Make sure the valves are closed and get all of the metal shavings out of the engine before starting.

 

I used a steel insert kit that I bought from Autozone for a repair and it worked great. It tapped and cut with 1 tool then inserted with another. If yours is too far gone you can go here
http://www.fulltorque.com/products.htm
these guys even have custom and heavy wall inserts for really damaged holes.

 

Thanx for the info guys. This site is GREAT for dumbasses like me!

 

Just so you're aware there can also be heat issues with that cylinder now that the heat transfer rate will be different between the spark plug and the head. IIRC it's recommended to go to a cooler plug, but check with EB on that. http://www.engnbldr.com/

 

I just did 2 plug holes in my 3vze with these style inserts. Worked great. They are sold under a few brand names, including helicoil.

 

I think some people missed this was a repair after a repair of a spark plug hole. What I ended up using was a "Big-Sert Kit # 5141" repair with a 16.8mm (insert # 51407) made by Time-Sert. This was a hard to find part. After alot of dickin around by alot of suppliers I found a super reliable company. They actually had the part in stock and actually got it to me next day. Super great guys to deal with. If anyone needs this similar fix, talk to Ralph at Bel-Metric @ 978-649-6201. Or, you can email me......kit still has 4 inserts left..LOL. It'll run you about $200.00.

 

does anybody know where to get a time-sert. i live in canada

 

I guess you diddnt check their website

http://www.timesert.com/html/distributor.html


Wurth CANADA LIMITED
6330 Tomken Road
Mississauga Ontario CANADA L5T1N2
Phone 905 564-6225
Web Site: www.wurth.com

 

i found something a parts source calles a plug saver basically the same thing worked great. thanks anyways