Hey all,

Normally I replace my own plugs on my '01 4runner 3.4L, but last time I screwed up and cross threaded one of them. It was a while ago, but I recall the plug not threading in smoothly/easily and after repeated attempts to restart it I just couldn't get it right. I tried to get it in as straight as possible and ended up having to apply a fair amount of force to get it to seat all the way in. I know, stupid.

I contacted a local reputable shop that said they commonly repair cross-threaded plugs, and have a special guy come to re-tap, helicoil, whatever if they can't handle it. Their normal charge for plug replacement on this engine is $115, and they estimated about $200 total including the plug repair. At most $300 if they need the special guy to come in.

Does that sound reasonable?

 

How do they get the tap/drill shavings out? Or do they?

 

Beats me, they didn't say. I'll inquire more about this.

From what I've read on the forums a thread chaser works from the inside out so hopefully no material goes in. I assume in case of tap/helicoil they'll load the tap with grease to catch the shavings and vacuum the cylinder to hopefully get any that got away (or so I've read anyway). I've also read that a small amount of aluminum shavings will get blown out of the cylinder, but could be harmful to the cat.

Either way it sounds like scary s**t that I don't want to be involved in. And I really don't want to shell out the cash to have the head pulled.

 

First thing I would do is try and "chase the threads: with a 14x1.25 tap/chaser..Actually an old plug with 4 notches cut down the threads works fantastic for straighting threads..Next would best is to tap the threads with a tap... If its too far gone for the tap to cut.The best permanent option is what's called a "timesert"...

You could do this yourself,If you are mechanically inclined and carefull....Just coat any chaser/tap w/vasoline to catch most of the shavings and you will be fine..Also The last time I did one i suffed a lightly oil soaked a cheese cloth down the cylinder the when I was done (PITA).got it back out with shavings stuck to it..Probably a bit extreme.

links to "timesert: kit#4412E,seat insert#44111
http://www.timesert.com/html/sparkplug.html
http://www.timesert.com/html/4412E-note.html
http://www.timesert.com/html/howtosp.html


But "timesert" kit is probably $250 or so...

helicoil kit might be an option as well,Its way cheaper...just need to make sure its cleaned really ,reallywell,and loctited.......

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002SRF4O

 

Timesert looks like a pretty long term fix. I suppose the most expensive piece of the timesert is the kit, and not actually the insert? Perhaps I could find a shop that has the kit and only pay for the insert and labor?

 

Yea,i think the insert is under $20..So I would check it out if someone has the kit...I would check import shops that mainly work on asian vehicals..They usually have more tools and equiptment that the dealer since they do not specialize in one make..Unlike the dealer..And most dealers will not take on anything like that for fear of an engine comback....Would probably want to remove head and send to machine shop..I know that's my experience..