A great couple months for me -- I swear I could start like 20 threads on my issues. Immediate problem:

My 89 V6 SWB raider is in the shop (A mitsu dealership with a rather new and fairly decent and earnest service crew). Crazy rough running engine led them to a particular plug that was not working and I have opted to get all new Plugs and wires done while there.... problem -- seems my #4 plug is stuck. As they try to remove it they can feel it thread skipping/slipping. They are worried about two things: 1 -- is it sealed or will it leak at this point? (giving them the option of leaving it in if it is working and sealing). #2 -- if they remove it there may be a rather expensive thread repair on the head -- apparently #4 position is awkwardly situated so hard to service and work on -- a head repair would be expensive and difficult.

This is my paraphrase of what they have told me so there might be some slight inaccuracies -- they want to know what to do -- what I want them to do. Anyone here familiar with this issue? Any tricks on getting that plug out without head damage. Any tricks on working on that particular head/position? I'm not sure what to do -- they are waiting on my call.

Many thanks for any thoughts/suggestions.

R.

Remove old plug, and install a Helicoil. Problem solved.

I bet they would not be willing to do that at a dealership.

no helicoil on spark plugs. they dont seal properly.


there are inserts available (plug blowout is a common problem on the ford mod V8) and we install inserts (with no warranty) all the time at the dealer.

Thanks for your input guys. No matter how I look at this I guess it's not a great situation.

JB weld and duct tape?

Don't forget bubble gum and pop tarts. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" />

My BBC GM Performance Parts Aluminum heads came from the factory with Helicoils in them. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

In that case you can just ship that whole pos motor to me and I will get rid of it for you. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

while this picture isnt 100% accurate.....it is a good picture of the insert (the lower 1) we use at the dealer.



http://www.denlorstools.com/autoblo...oil-look-at-calvans-ford-spark-plug-kit/

the picture isnt 100% accurate though. hes not holding the actual helicoil spark plug insert. just a standard helicoil.

having seen them side by side and used them i would never use the helicoil brand insert again. we actually had a truck come in about a month ago with the helicoil insert blown out.

this is the actual helicoil insert.....