head stripped!

JOHN KUSTERBECK wrote:
>
> On my way to work yesterday the sparkplug for the first cylinder desided to
> shoot itself out and strip the head.
>
> Is there any quick fix that can be done to get me by until this weekend? I
> don't have the $130 that VDUB Folks want for a new head.
> Also when I get the head should I replace both or just the one? I've never
> had any problems like this before.
>
> Thanks for any info
> John



Just have that one spark plug hole fixed, if the head checks out
otherwise. In a stock engine, small cracks in the combustion chamber are
allowed.

I take mine to a guy who does aluminum welding for a living, he does
these small jobs after working hours for me at a reasonable price.
Welding up a stripped spark plug hole is around 15-20 dollars. Then you
still need to drill a new hole and tap it for the original plug thread.
If you don't have the tools and experience, that part is best left for
the machine shop. They could infact do the welding too.

Jan

On my way to work yesterday the sparkplug for the first cylinder desided to
shoot itself out and strip the head.

Is there any quick fix that can be done to get me by until this weekend? I
don't have the $130 that VDUB Folks want for a new head.
Also when I get the head should I replace both or just the one? I've never
had any problems like this before.

Thanks for any info
John

> On my way to work yesterday the sparkplug for the first cylinder desided
to
> shoot itself out and strip the head.
>
> Is there any quick fix that can be done to get me by until this
weekend?
I
> don't have the $130 that VDUB Folks want for a new head.
> Also when I get the head should I replace both or just the one? I've
never
> had any problems like this before.
>
> Thanks for any info
> John
**********
A good stopgap measure is to use an insert; it's a threaded steel sleeve &
you just tap the hole for it (tap & all comes in a kit) & thread it in &
replace the spark plug. I've used these on occasion & they always worked
out great.
Don't ask me where to buy them 'cause my past source went out of business
& I haven't done much aircooled engine work recently.
~ Paul
aka "Tha Driver"

Giggle Cream - it makes dessert *funny*!

I just did a google for "spark plug thread repair" and found this among
others, http://www.sjdiscounttools.com/hel5334-14.html
Presumably the head will need removing to avoid the swarf getting into the
cylinder, but it is cheaper than a new head.

Good luck,

Tony.

"JOHN KUSTERBECK" > wrote in message
news:NBvhd.4658$pY6.430@trnddc04...
> On my way to work yesterday the sparkplug for the first cylinder desided
to
> shoot itself out and strip the head.
>
> Is there any quick fix that can be done to get me by until this weekend?
I
> don't have the $130 that VDUB Folks want for a new head.
> Also when I get the head should I replace both or just the one? I've
never
> had any problems like this before.
>
> Thanks for any info
> John
>
>

Coat the tap with vaseline, and you'll be fine.

Jan


Tony Wilkinson wrote:
>
> I just did a google for "spark plug thread repair" and found this among
> others, http://www.sjdiscounttools.com/hel5334-14.html
> Presumably the head will need removing to avoid the swarf getting into the
> cylinder, but it is cheaper than a new head.
>
> Good luck,
>
> Tony.
>
> "JOHN KUSTERBECK" > wrote in message
> news:NBvhd.4658$pY6.430@trnddc04...
> > On my way to work yesterday the sparkplug for the first cylinder desided
> to
> > shoot itself out and strip the head.
> >
> > Is there any quick fix that can be done to get me by until this weekend?
> I
> > don't have the $130 that VDUB Folks want for a new head.
> > Also when I get the head should I replace both or just the one? I've
> never
> > had any problems like this before.
> >
> > Thanks for any info
> > John
> >
> >

Any NAPA or AutoZone, parts store will have a 14mm aluminum head spark plug
repair kit. They include several inserts and a tap. Just use grease on the
tap and you won't have to remove the head. Any slight aluminum filings that
do enter will blow out the exhaust.

Jim
SR Racing

I picked up a kit from AutoZone last night. I'm going to try it today.

Thanks

John

"Jim" > wrote in message
...
> Any NAPA or AutoZone, parts store will have a 14mm aluminum head spark
plug
> repair kit. They include several inserts and a tap. Just use grease on
the
> tap and you won't have to remove the head. Any slight aluminum filings
that
> do enter will blow out the exhaust.
>
> Jim
> SR Racing
>

Don't worry too much about the little scraps falling into the hole.Most will
stick to the well greased tap you are using,and turn the engine with the
starter(coil disconnected so it won't start)before putting the plug in.
"Tony Wilkinson" > wrote in message
.. .
>I just did a google for "spark plug thread repair" and found this among
> others, http://www.sjdiscounttools.com/hel5334-14.html
> Presumably the head will need removing to avoid the swarf getting into the
> cylinder, but it is cheaper than a new head.
>
> Good luck,
>
> Tony.
>
> "JOHN KUSTERBECK" > wrote in message
> news:NBvhd.4658$pY6.430@trnddc04...
>> On my way to work yesterday the sparkplug for the first cylinder desided
> to
>> shoot itself out and strip the head.
>>
>> Is there any quick fix that can be done to get me by until this weekend?
> I
>> don't have the $130 that VDUB Folks want for a new head.
>> Also when I get the head should I replace both or just the one? I've
> never
>> had any problems like this before.
>>
>> Thanks for any info
>> John
>>
>>
>
>

Interesting problem Kluster, you might want to try a horizontally opposed
pot transplant, mixed in with a 12 blade fan conversion in order to take
advantage of the back pressure qualities of a stainless system, made famous
by the fuhrer himself post WWII with a 750 holley double pumper and
expansion chamber installation in order to increase the brake fluid to dot
5.2 specs. Dont forget to torque the wheel nuts to 526987 ft lbs.... hope
this helps
"JOHN KUSTERBECK" > wrote in message
news:NBvhd.4658$pY6.430@trnddc04...
> On my way to work yesterday the sparkplug for the first cylinder desided
> to
> shoot itself out and strip the head.
>
> Is there any quick fix that can be done to get me by until this weekend?
> I
> don't have the $130 that VDUB Folks want for a new head.
> Also when I get the head should I replace both or just the one? I've
> never
> had any problems like this before.
>
> Thanks for any info
> John
>
>