Yeah, so I was removing my spark plugs on the Sunfire to check on their condition. First one came out easy, plug is in good shape and the gap is good so I put it back in. Then out came the second plug. Looks the same as the first, so I go to put it back in...and there was a problem. It felt like it wasn't going in straight. I took the plug back out and looked at the threads and they're just filled with dirt. The area around the plug is just filthy. I rubbed the plug threads off with a rag and try again. No luck. I keep trying and still have the same problem. By now, I'm slowly starting to panic, I kept thinking that I stripped the threads in the cylinder head. A neighbour came along and saw what I was doing. He tried putting the plug in. It went in a bit, got partially tight, kept turning for a bit more then it tightened up fully. Did I screw up the threads in the head? I didn't even bother with the other 2 plugs. Now I'm worried I caused some damage or whatever. If and when I go to remove the other 2 plugs, what should I do to prevent that problem from happening again?
did you put them back in hand tight? your suppost to be able to thread them in hand tight then torque them. also was the engine hot at all? cause some times the metal expands and contracts and the hole will tighten. and you should clean around the holes first with soemthing to get the dirt off to prevent it form going in the hole when the plug is out.
man i did the same thing on my gas r/c car it was crooket in the wrench and i put it in a few turns and stripp. but that head is replacable and a engine head requires to be drilled and put a helicoil or something in there. big coin and time
peace
Welll...the engine was slightly warm when I removed the 2 plugs. Just weird how the first one came out and went back in so easily. Maybe I'll tempt fate tomorrow and try removing the problem plug again. This time I'll get my brother's air compressor and use some compressed air to blow the crap out from around the plug, then when the plug is out use compressed air at lower pressure to blow air at the threads in the head to remove any dirt that might be there. I hope it works.
get some anti seize front auto zone, cost's 1.19 plus tax, works wonders.
if need be, they make spark plug taps, they worked wonders on my GMC with a 4.3
sunfirepower97's suggestion to use a tap is excellent...
Taps are reasonable, usually around $10...
If you fill the flutes with grease, there will be little debris to get into
the combustion chamber...
Keep the tap clean with a spray can of brake or carb cleaner...
All four spark plug holes should take only about 10 minutes...
I also agree with the above suggestion to get them started by hand. They should turn very easy. If they don't, they are cross-threaded and you shouldn't force it.
Rob
Sold 2/2/05
