HowzDat Posted November 13, 2006 Share Posted November 13, 2006 pretty self explanatory. I was changing the plugs for the 1st time since I got the car and cyl. #2 plug was cross threaded. I have performer rpm heads. Anyone have any advice? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Mike Posted November 13, 2006 Share Posted November 13, 2006 I'm sorry that happened to you. I would take it to a machine shop for repair. Also... always make sure the heads are completely cool before changing plugs. Aluminum is just too soft when it's hot. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Forces Posted November 13, 2006 Share Posted November 13, 2006 If they are aluminum, I would expect that they have a helio coil (which is actually what they thread into.) Helio coils are replaceable. You can find them at NAPA, and some other places, I'm sure. I know the header threads have them. Correct me if I'm wrong. Seann Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Forces Posted November 13, 2006 Share Posted November 13, 2006 sorry man, I just looked at my Edlelbrock RPM performers, it doesn't look like they have helio coils....but like I daid, correct me if I'm wrong. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Mike Posted November 13, 2006 Share Posted November 13, 2006 I have the same heads. The only helio coils are for the exhaust bolts. It would be better had they put helio coils everywhere, IMO. I'm just REALLY CAREFUL and use a smidge of anti-seize lube on every bolt. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alexideways Posted November 13, 2006 Share Posted November 13, 2006 The thing is, to install helicoils you have to drill the hole bigger and tap new threads, so you have to remove the head. Good thing you don't have an OHC engine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Z48LT-1 Posted November 13, 2006 Share Posted November 13, 2006 While I agree with Alex that removing the head is the safe way to do it, I wonder whether it could be done (verrry carefully) with the head installed... I see two approaches: have both valves closed, or the exhaust valve open with a vacuum hose sucking on the exhaust port. With the piston at TDC, pack the tap's flutes with wheel bearing grease in an attempt to trap the shavings. Make sure the drill and tap don't touch the top of the piston (might want the piston to be slightly below TDC). Flush the chamber out with a stream of solvent, then a blast of air, several times perhaps, after the drilling and tapping, and especially make sure that the tang of the helicoil comes out before turning over the engine, but after all that, it seems to me the only debris left would be small particles of aluminum which ought not be able to do much damage before they're either burned up or evacuated with the exhaust. (Note I would never consider suggesting this for a cast iron head.) Would anyone else be willing to take the risk? Let me repeat I've not tried this myself, and am NOT recommending it, but just throwing it out for discussion. Best -- Gary Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Mike Posted November 13, 2006 Share Posted November 13, 2006 Head on repair... it's tempting, I know. But I speak from experience when I say I have a bad feeling about trying to cut corners with something like this. In fact, if I was in the same situation, I'd ask for advice about pulling both heads and have every hole helicoiled. It seems like a worthwhile upgrade. EDIT: Why don't you PM Grumpyvette and post what he recommends? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AE2ZX Posted November 13, 2006 Share Posted November 13, 2006 I cross threaded #1 plug on my L28E ...I used a vacum and a tap it worked good just go slow and be careful ..if you are worried that you got alittle shavings in there well no worries vacum real good leave that plug out and crank her over a few times anything that got in there will blow right back out it worked on the L28E ..it should work on a small block v8 but use Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alexideways Posted November 13, 2006 Share Posted November 13, 2006 ... I'd ask for advice about pulling both heads and have every hole helicoiled. It seems like a worthwhile upgrade. Might as well, while your at it. You could also do this head for now and do the other one whenever you have to pull the other one off. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zeeboost Posted November 13, 2006 Share Posted November 13, 2006 If you decide to use a heli-coil to repair the plug threads, the spark plug for that one cylinder will put out a different spark (either more cold or hot...not too sure) than the rest of the plugs, due to its surroundings. Therefore, it's recommended that if you heli-coil one cylinder, you should heli-coil the rest of the cylinders, and adjust plug range accordingly. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
s3079893 Posted November 15, 2006 Share Posted November 15, 2006 Hi mate, This happened to me on my go kart, and i fixed it simply by cleaning it up with a tap, (like AE2zx) since then it has not given me any problems, (btw i took the head off). Before inserting the heli coils, try just using the tap, it will save you alot of time and effort. Good luck Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alexideways Posted November 15, 2006 Share Posted November 15, 2006 Another idea that I had, if you decide to go the helicoil route. pack a clean rag with bearing grease and stuff it in the chamber trough the exhaust port, this way the shards will get trapped in the greasy rag and once you're done, just pull the rag out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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