Quick question on inserts. My rear plug weeps oil when I ride, the insert had come out with the plug once a year or so ago, at the time I slapped locktite on it and put it back in, seemed to work ok. I figure it's about time I fix it properly.

The question is...for aluminum heads should I use aluminum inserts, so they expand and contract at the same rate as the head or is there merit in using steel or carbon inserts?

The floor is now open to all opinions.

 

i use whats called a keensert they have 4 tiny prongs you tap in when done to keep it from moving-- when i have the head off of the engine (best fix) i tig a bung in and its a done deal -- even when i do dual plug heads i tig a long reach bung in .. google the word "keensert

 

-------- http://www.specialty-fasteners.co.uk...e_2008_1_1.pdf ---

 

They make a one piece steel insert the wedges in place and I use a permanent grade loctite one them , kits can be had in decent auto supply store . I've done a bunch of them , can even do it with the heads on with a little care .

 

there ya go stick-- what can make the insert leak is running the tap in to far and the insert is loose -- those works and work well -- im just fond of the keenserts because of the 4 lil pegs --- http://www.google.com/imgres?q=keens...9,r:2,s:0,i:81

 

 

The insert that came out was one of the steel ones with the knurl at the top that you give a whack to fit in place. I've read conflicting accounts on whether steel or aluminum (or other) is the better type of insert to use. I'm using a flanged (timesert) type...just gotta decide aluminum vs steel

 

the ones in the pic never move,leak,ect -- find a good tig welder and have a bung welded in (have to remove the head and all the parts)-- sounds to me that whoever installed it tapped to much -- 3m makes a thread sealer that is NOT removable --Rite-Lok™ Threadlocker TL62-50