How to fix stripped spark plug threads???

  • dave_n
    Champlin, MN
    Posts: 176
    February 11, 2009 at 10:48 pm #1261554

    The threads in the head of my snowblower are stripped from screwing in the spark plug cockeyed. It looks like only the top 2 or 3 threads are bad. Is there an easy fix? Any help is appreciated.

    Dave

    muskyman
    Arkansaw, Wisconsin
    Posts: 945
    February 11, 2009 at 10:53 pm #747324

    A Tap and Die set is something every man should have.

    hooknfinger
    Rochester, Minnesota
    Posts: 1290
    February 11, 2009 at 10:53 pm #747325

    I dont know exactly what the tool is called, but i think its like a spark plug tap. it is a reverse tap. you put this tool in then screw it to fit snugly into the threads and then you slowly reverse it out of the spark plug hole, should regroove it. Otherwise you can heli coil it, that is just making the hole bigger and then putting a sleeve in it. Go to sears or napa they will have what you need.

    greg_r
    Woodbury MN
    Posts: 240
    February 11, 2009 at 11:01 pm #747329

    Sparkplug Chaser… Auto parts stores have them or you can use the correct size tap to fix the threads and if that does not do it you will need to heli coil it with a new thread insert.

    john23
    St. Paul, MN
    Posts: 2536
    February 11, 2009 at 11:07 pm #747334

    All good advice. Be careful to keep metal shavings out of the cylinder when you do whatever you choose to do. Lots of good tutorials online.

    trumar
    Rochester, Mn
    Posts: 5967
    February 11, 2009 at 11:11 pm #747335

    Quote:

    Sparkplug Chaser… Auto parts stores have them

    That is the best way when just a few threads are messed up,Just go slow ,take your time and you will do just fine

    Geerdes
    Brandon, SD 57005
    Posts: 791
    February 12, 2009 at 2:44 am #747433

    Heli coil will work. I have used one before in a 360 aluminum head ASCS sprint car motor and never had a problem. Good Luck

    Richard V.
    Somewhere over the rainbow
    Posts: 2596
    February 12, 2009 at 4:12 am #747465

    Since you only have two or three threads messed up I would use a thread chaser. Just work the threads from the inside out. Your inner threads should be enough to allow you to tighten your plug. If all or most of the threads were marred then I would remove the head drill and install a heli-coil (sp?) Just take your time with the chaser.

    schweg2
    Centuria,WI
    Posts: 100
    February 12, 2009 at 9:44 pm #747756

    Put grease on the tap to help keep shavings out of the cylinder.

    dave_n
    Champlin, MN
    Posts: 176
    March 8, 2009 at 6:41 pm #756138

    I finally got around to fixing the threads on my snowblower. You guys were right – I went with the thread chaser and it worked perfectly. Only cost me $6 at Sears. Many thanks again to everyone on the forum.

    Dave

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