Hi everybody, I've had my #1 sparkplug pop out in twice in the last three weeks. Normal driving conditions, pops right out of the block and hangs off of the spark plug wire.

Both times I was able to get it back in and start up the engine without a problem. I assuming that some of the threads are stripped (but not all) which is why I can get it back in, but it's probably not going to stay in. Helicoil sells a spark plug thread repair kit. I've seen a lot of posts here about it, but not too much on the how to actually do it. Does anyone have any experience on using this? My car is bone stock with 156K and I really would like it to only last another year.

Opinions? Thanks

How much does the helicoil kit cost?

You might be better off replacing the entire head with another stocker. You can find those cheap in the FS/Wanted section here.
I have used helicoil kits before, and honestly, I just don't trust them to hold pressure. Its your call. You might spend the money and find that your head is more fucked than you expected and wasted that money.

$37. That's why I was willing to ask. It seems like $37 is worth the chance. If it doesn't hold, then the block will need to be threaded.

Originally posted by EclipseMGP
$37. That's why I was willing to ask. It seems like $37 is worth the chance. If it doesn't hold, then the HEAD will need to be threaded.

fixed for ya.
for that cheap might as well try it. Be careful though after you install it and start the motor for the 1st time. I have seen spark plugs make holes through hoods and roofs when shot out of heads...

I like helicoils. I've saved several heads from the scrap heap using them, never had any fail once properly installed. I also use Red loctite for extra security.

You only get one shot at it though, so practice 4-5x on a block of wood.

Originally posted by thedawg
I like helicoils. I've saved several heads from the scrap heap using them, never had any fail once properly installed. I also use Red loctite for extra security. You only get one shot at it though, so practice 4-5x on a block of wood.

X2

I used a helicoil on my #2 plug and it's held up for a year and half so far, would still be holding except my water pump went on me, and now i've sold the car. Definitly agree with the Loctite too.

Thanks for the help guys.

For those using Helicoils, did you remove the head or did you just do it? I just got back from PepBoys and the guy said all they have is some Helicoil knock off. Even then, he recommended going to NAPA and get a time-sert, which appears insert that goes over the threads.

I just went out and check it again and the plug goes into the hole pretty far down. I only get it down about 1 1/2 turns before it seats. I'm guess most of the threads are torn up now.

I just did it with the head in the car a couple times. You have to be absolutely meticulous and make sure not a single grain of aluminum dust get into the engine.

If you're drilling out the spark plug holes though, you'd have to remove the head, it'd be impossible to keep shavings out of the cylinder.

Used helicoils on lots of different heads (and blocks). Very confident in them. Doing them on a car is a bit tricky. When I do them on a car I literally put a rag in the combustion chamber (through the spark plug hole. Then I put a big glob of white lith lube onto of the rag. This allows the lith to catch all the shavings that you generate, Then when I am done, I get the lith that I can out of the rag and THEN I pull the rag out of the chamber.

But with access on our cars being so long and tight, I'm not sure how you would do that.

MB

Thanks for all the replies. I found a local guy to do it for me, after reading some of the issues here, I didn't want to try it myself. Let's all hope for the best.

i took mine to the local chrysler dodge jeep, cost me 145 and some change for one done.