Stripping spark plugs

Post by **Rustuponmyhands** » 16 Sep 2006, 22:18

Thought I was being smart in cleaning the spark plugs in my 2.0 litre air cooled, but alas I have stripped the thread on one of the spark plug ports.
Is helicoiling the only answer? Do I need to take the engine apart or can it all be sorted insitu. Either way, am I alright to drive it to the place of repair (Cannot DIY - I've already seen the price of the helicoil kits and since I stripped the thread in the first place, the nearest & dearest will not let me within 20 yards of a tool kit now) with only three cylinders thumping away and the fourth empty (the spark plug justs keeps blowing out).

Post by **OLD ONE** » 17 Sep 2006, 12:26

Had same prob on my old Bay. Did a helicoil, lasted a couple of years and blew out.
Took the head of and fitted a top hat type of thingie,cant rember the name. But that lasted for many years, till I go rid of the van and as far as I know it is still running.

Post by **Hacksawbob** » 17 Sep 2006, 12:29

Helicoil can be a cheap option as it is possible to put it in situ, however there is possiblity that fitting may result in swarf falling into cylinder. Can reduce chance of this by rotating engine so both inlet and exhaust valves are open then attatching compressed air to carburettor and hopefully blowing swarf out through exhaust valve. Best to take head off and do it proper. Syncronuts put a timecert into my head which are better than helicoil as they are solid, helicoils are like a spring and will probably let you down one day, maybe just before you go on holiday as is what happened to me.Aircooled engine is more awkward to get to sprk plug hole under the tiware aswell.

Post by **Rustuponmyhands** » 17 Sep 2006, 15:16

Thanks people - just like the French Revolution, looks like the head is coming off! I want to hang onto the bus & don't want flying spark plugs.