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Hi all, I was wondering if any one has every stripped there spark plug threads and then tapped out the hole and used a threaded insert or heli coil, with out taking the head off.

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'80 Luv 4x4, 3" BL, 1.5" SL, 32/36, 2.25" exhaust...and fuzzy dice.
'95 Toyota 4Runner Limited 5-Speed.

It would be a big mistake to do it. You're bound to get some filings in the bore. It's not that hard to remove the head.

I haven't done it, i was just asking if it could be done, srry i didn't specify

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'80 Luv 4x4, 3" BL, 1.5" SL, 32/36, 2.25" exhaust...and fuzzy dice.
'95 Toyota 4Runner Limited 5-Speed.

Rezkid,

I did this 25 years ago on a Datsun (Nissan) and it worked, I got the idea from my dad who was a mechanic.


1) Remove the spark plug.

2) Place the cylinder(piston) in the top of the exhaust stroke. (You can use a screw driver through the plug port to check if the piston is at the top of the stroke. This will also be the only cylinder in with the exhaust valve open.)

3) Place a blower (shop vac blow port) on the exhaust pipe. ( I used duct tape). The air should be blowing through the exhaust, through the exhaust valve and out of the plug hole.

4) Using the correct tap, Slowly, very slowly start tapping the threads. back out the tap after every turn to clean the tap and around the threads. The positive air pressure "should" blow any metal outward and prevent any of the metal from falling in to the cylinder.

5) After the tapping is completed clean the threads with q-tips for any remaining particles.

6) Use a piece of flexible tubing and connect it to you compressor and insert it into the cylinder (move it around). With all that air turbulence any small particles will be blown out of the plug hole.

7) add the new threads and you are done.

Like I said I did this once a long time ago and it worked. Some will not agree with this procedure because of the possiblilty of getting metal in the cylinder. I took the chance because I was low on cash and time.

You will have to weigh the pros and cons in your situation. There are always two ways of doing things, the fast and dirty way, and then there is the correct way.



Good Luck.

thanks, I'll have to weight the pros and cons like you said, but i am short on cash and time so I may end up doing it that way

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'80 Luv 4x4, 3" BL, 1.5" SL, 32/36, 2.25" exhaust...and fuzzy dice.
'95 Toyota 4Runner Limited 5-Speed.

The Master Tech that I work with has done this multiple times. He use the air like Kane said but also put some bearing grease on the tap, clean and recoat the tap after every turn. That will pick up what the air doesn't blow out.

Jim

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`79 LUV 2WD Stocky
`80 LUV 4WD Stocky