I have seen a couple references to a helicoil as a fix for stripped spark plug seats. is this a good option? is it the best fix? how exactly does it work?? lots of Q's... Thanks!!

 

http://www.toolsnextday.ltd.uk/Helic...coil_usage.htm

 

I don't know if this is a good option or the best fix, but I do know what a helicoil is and how it works. A helicoil looks like a spring and is used when threads are no longer good and need re tapped. The cylinder hole will be drilled bigger and tapped with a larger diameter threading. The helicoil is then screwed into the new threads. The inside of the helicoil would have the same threading that your spark plug has and the spark plug would then thread into the helicoil. Hope this helps a little.


SORRY DIDN'T SEE THE LINK ABOVE.

HOW DO I DELETE MY OWN MESSAGE?

 

Really when it comes to stripped out threads on a piece, you only really have 3-4 options.

1) Helicoil
2) Replace the entire piece
3) Thread for a larger bolt
4) J-B weld that B@#$%

I think that the helicoil is the best all around for cost and reliability. If you have a stripped out sparkplug hole, then replacing your head would be expensive. Wouldn't want to go and have 1 odd spark plug in the engine, or even change all 4 to a larger size. And J-B Weld just isn't up to the task of dealing with 12:1 comp. rat. high temps and doesn't really conduct electricity well.