<VV> spark plug insert repair Vol 44, Issue 44

[kevin nash]

> >> >  > ----- Original Message ----- > > From: "Doug Mackintosh" <dougmackintosh at yahoo.com>> > To: "Virtual Vairs" <virtualvairs at corvair.org>> > Sent: Sunday, September 14, 2008 7:28 PM> > Subject: <VV> Spark plug thread repair - ??> >> >> >> I've never seen anything like this before. Can anyone tell me what I'm> >> looking at, and any ideas how to fix it?> >>> >> This is on the mongrel Corvair I am working on. The engine is (mostly)> >> 1965 110 HP. The # 6 spark plug hole has this protrusion, which I assume> >> is part of some attempt at thread repair. As you can see, it protrudes> >> (approx 1/8 inch) from the head. The surface the plug gasket would seat > >> on> >> is a narrow edge (not a nice wide gasket seat as would normally be in the> >> head). The threads go partway down the hole. Where the threads/insert > >> end,> >> the hole in the head is larger diameter. The threads also stop short of> >> the top - there is a small (1/32" ?) counterbore in the top before the> >> threads start. Here is a link to a photo:> >>> >> http://www.flickr.com/photos/30499360@N07/2858425990/> >>> >> Does this look familiar to anyone? Does anyone know what to do about it? > >> I> >> hesitate to do anything since at this point, I don't understand how it > >> was> >> installed.> >>> >> Thanks> >>> >> -- Doug Mackintosh Hi Doug -
That particular insert is made by Locktite, and are sold at Napa
(at least in my part of the country). I've used those types of
inserts before, and wasnt happy with them because of their tendancy to back out after installing. A standard Helicoil, or 
a Timesert are both much better ways to fix a spark plug hole.
Note- the Locktite, Timesert, and Helicoil type inserts all use
the same threads, so have no fear installing a different insert.
to get that particular insert out, get a old spark plug, coat
the threads of the plug with red locktite (stud and bearing mount), then thread the plug into the offending insert and
tighten, wait over night until the locktite cures, then remove
the spark plug- the insert will come out with it!
Kevin Nash, 63 efi spyder
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