Spark Plug Thread Repair
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 10,284
Likes: 7,766
From: West Central FL
I generally avoid opinion threads but running into something I've no experience doing. Of all the things I've done over the years, putting new threads in for a spark plug isn't one of them. I've got one that will torque, but I hold my breath every time. It's just really sloppy all the way to the seat.
I'll have the head off and may do the other one on-engine later. I'm not concerned about doing it, just wondering if I should spend the 175.00 for a Time-Sert kit or are there any of the less expensive versions anyone has used with satisfaction.
Thanks
I'll have the head off and may do the other one on-engine later. I'm not concerned about doing it, just wondering if I should spend the 175.00 for a Time-Sert kit or are there any of the less expensive versions anyone has used with satisfaction.
Thanks
Thread Starter
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HDF Community Team
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 5,402
Likes: 2,605
From: NC USA
I borrowed the kit from NAPA and bought the serts. Stuffed some cotton in the cylinder, greased the tap to hold the chips then fished out the cotton with whatever chips the grease didn't hold and was done with both holes in about 40 min. I let the Lock-tite set over night and fired it up in the morning.
Last edited by t150vej; Dec 18, 2019 at 12:02 PM.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,725
Likes: 3,070
From: Brighton, MI
That is the similiar style I used on the triumph. The strike in place tool expands the top portion that you see with the teeth. The teeth bite into the aluminum to hold it in place. YD
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HDF Community Team
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 5,402
Likes: 2,605
From: NC USA
Thanks Harold, and everyone else.
Looks like what you pictured is the most popular so far. The Master Tech at the dealer here (he's a good guy) said he uses Heli-coil wire type. I've used them for a lot of other things over the years and always had good results.
I ordered the Time-Sert kit Tuesday. Figured I'd not be totally satisfied otherwise, though any and all types mentioned on here may have worked just as well. The heads are off due to unexpected other issues so it should be an easy operation.
Again, many thanks for everyone's input. It may be next week, but I will post photos when it's done.
Looks like what you pictured is the most popular so far. The Master Tech at the dealer here (he's a good guy) said he uses Heli-coil wire type. I've used them for a lot of other things over the years and always had good results.
I ordered the Time-Sert kit Tuesday. Figured I'd not be totally satisfied otherwise, though any and all types mentioned on here may have worked just as well. The heads are off due to unexpected other issues so it should be an easy operation.
Again, many thanks for everyone's input. It may be next week, but I will post photos when it's done.
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 307
Likes: 108
Good call on using a barrel insert. Helical inserts are famous for peeling out on spark plug repairs though they seem to work much better on cast iron heads rather than motorcycle or other alloy heads. Many good mechanics fail to study broadly and update their knowledge. If in doubt, copy aviation. Beware of anecdotes since individual mechanics might have seen a high success rate not representative of the industry. You of course are free to study widely and outside mere motorbike circles.
Loctite users note there are MANY kinds of Loctite and a variety of reds/greens/blues so if in doubt go to the Henkel site and look up their offerings, or if you have a mystery bottle or gel tube, get the data from the source.
This "green" is for press fits:
https://www.henkel-adhesives.com/us/...ctite_609.html
This "green" is a wicking threadlocker for assembled parts:
https://www.henkel-adhesives.com/us/...ctite_290.html
Loctite users note there are MANY kinds of Loctite and a variety of reds/greens/blues so if in doubt go to the Henkel site and look up their offerings, or if you have a mystery bottle or gel tube, get the data from the source.
This "green" is for press fits:
https://www.henkel-adhesives.com/us/...ctite_609.html
This "green" is a wicking threadlocker for assembled parts:
https://www.henkel-adhesives.com/us/...ctite_290.html
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 5,649
Likes: 430
From: MASS_hole
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Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
Triumphs? Yuk! Once a BSA owner, always.... I bought a new Rocket 3 in 1971 - wonderful thing.
Going back to helicoils, one thing to bear in mind is that they are actually intended for new builds, not repairs. An aircraft engine is actually a bucket-full of them, flying in close formation!
Going back to helicoils, one thing to bear in mind is that they are actually intended for new builds, not repairs. An aircraft engine is actually a bucket-full of them, flying in close formation!
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 8,590
Likes: 3,361
From: Cental, MI
Thanks Harold, and everyone else.
Looks like what you pictured is the most popular so far. The Master Tech at the dealer here (he's a good guy) said he uses Heli-coil wire type. I've used them for a lot of other things over the years and always had good results.
I ordered the Time-Sert kit Tuesday. Figured I'd not be totally satisfied otherwise, though any and all types mentioned on here may have worked just as well. The heads are off due to unexpected other issues so it should be an easy operation.
Again, many thanks for everyone's input. It may be next week, but I will post photos when it's done.
Looks like what you pictured is the most popular so far. The Master Tech at the dealer here (he's a good guy) said he uses Heli-coil wire type. I've used them for a lot of other things over the years and always had good results.
I ordered the Time-Sert kit Tuesday. Figured I'd not be totally satisfied otherwise, though any and all types mentioned on here may have worked just as well. The heads are off due to unexpected other issues so it should be an easy operation.
Again, many thanks for everyone's input. It may be next week, but I will post photos when it's done.
Thanks. I am simply curious...as I lean heavily toward Fastenall!!!