Anyone Ever Helicoil Spark Plug Threads In Head?

Jake68 · 650Rider Supporter Joined: Mar 23, 2007 Posts: 841

I got the top end off for some improvements...

I got one spark thread that is not as good as the other, it takes enough torque, but its a double cut something odd..

I've never done one this important and dont have the slug, so I was gonna take it to my engineer to do...

Anyone have any experience of this..OK to just go for it? Best to do it now I guess?

Its done many miles as it is...but..I am a perfectionist I guess Smile

kenb

I understand that it's commonly done on aluminum heads for some V-8's out there. Apparently there are some Ford truck engines that spit plugs out all the time, and I'm sure there must be others as well. I think that there are some kits available from the manufacturers to deal with warranty issues, so the technology is pretty mainstream these days.

I'm sure that there must something out there that's suitable for your cylinder head. Not that I'd have the guts to do it though!

Ken

Jake68 · 650Rider Supporter Joined: Mar 23, 2007 Posts: 841

I am definately gettin it done by a pro.

I have no problems with the inspection cover studs and the other M6 stuff..

But this is a biggy..I guess no reason why it cant be done..

nj1639

I've done it. Easy- peasy.

sinister_customs

There are two ways to solve your problem one obviously is the heli-coil wich are horrible! The propper way to repair this is with a time-sert. these are a bit harder to find but most japanese motorcycle shops i have worked for stock them for this very reason as well as drain plugs. I would bring your head to them and try to beware of the helicoil!

xsjohn

To hopefully avoid plug hole problems I wire wheel the threads on new plugs and use antiseize.........and it seems that taking out cold plugs is more stressfull on the threads.......

xsjohn

metalredneck · Full Member Joined: Aug 04, 2008 Posts: 308

Yep, done it often. I recommend Heli-coil over the solid type insert, as the aluminum heats up differently than the steel tube type.

weekendrider

One on a 450 Honda in the 70's. It was working when I sold it.

sinister_customs

if done properly i am telling you strait up the time sert is the best! Ask any replicable Jap dealership to compare the two for you 9 times out of 10 they use time serts

nj1639

I've used the solid metal insert on the spark threads, put some of that red stuff on it to keep it in. Used helicoil on my shortened turn signals.
On doing the plug threads, take the head off and secure it well. Again, easy-peasy.

Jake68 · 650Rider Supporter Joined: Mar 23, 2007 Posts: 841

Interestingly I think there is a method for doing this without removing the head...

I beleive there is a specific proprietry process that does this, culminating in a quick "hoover" of the inside of the chamber...

metalredneck · Full Member Joined: Aug 04, 2008 Posts: 308

If you graese the living poop outta the tap, it will catch most of the chips. But maybe not all.

sinister_customs

yes i agree, grease the crap out of the tap and it will catch about 98% of the chips, i have never had a problem doing this, the key is the grease!

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