Spark plug spinning in cylinder head

J B · Mar 12, 2013

As the title really I have a spark plug spinning in the head, it goes loose and tight so I am guessing its probably cross threaded, I dont want to take it out until I need to as it will probably strip out the remaining thread. I was wondering if anyone else has had the same issue before, I have searched but couldnt find anything?

Its an AMK S3, I have looked for repair solutions and found something called a timesert if anyones ever used one?

+ TIME-SERT® SPARK PLUG THREAD REPAIR KITS + spark plug stripped thread repair kits for spark plug problems, thread stripped spark plug repairs in damaged threads in spark plug hole stripped out approved thread repair, aluminum head spark plug repair

They say you dont have to remove the head which would be ideal but the recess for the spark plugs are pretty deep im not sure whether the tools would reach?

Anyone got any ideas obviously if I can repair the head that would be better than having to replace it

Any help appreciated

Scullies · Mar 12, 2013

I have never see the time sert option, but we have used helicoil inserts on a lot of outboard boat engines with aluminium heads.

After watching their video for the time sert I would advise taking the head off as you will need to cut a new thread in the spark plug hole and you dont want filings falling into the cylinder.

I love how they say use grease/wd40 to catch the filings.
As soon as you back the tap thread out all the filings are going to fall off.
Then the say, make sure the new thread is dry and clean before you insert the time sert, "with a quick wipe with a cloth" you ready to install
hahahahahahahahah

s3dave · Mar 12, 2013

Head off i would say too, to much room for error

markyR · Mar 12, 2013

look up a mechanical engineering company. I have worked for many garages and come across awkward situations, sometimes we have used them and they will come out to you.

J B · Mar 12, 2013

I have used a helicoil before but wouldnt fancy snapping the steel tang off and not being able to retrieve it from the cylinder. I was thinking of using some sort of vacuum to get any filings out of the cylinder, being aluminium there fairly soft and anything remaining would hopefully get blown out the exhaust, I could potentially use the boroscope/video probe at work to check before reassembly and turning the key. The only issue is access to the hole in the first place...

Lewis583 · Mar 12, 2013

Wurth Time-serts are, in my opinion, far superior than helicoils. Instead of a coil of wire they're a solid sleeve with internal and external threads.

Used them before on an E39 523i to repair the engine block headbolt holes, after they stripped due to overheating. Head torqued down fine and as far as I know the car is still going. Also used them when refurbishing my BBS RM's.

Wouldn't want to do it with the head in situ though. You run the risk of inducing scratches/scores in the cylinder walls, damaging valves/valve seats. Not forgetting if any swarf makes out the cylinder without damaging the block/head it still has to run through the turbo, which at the speeds they spin at could cause some nasty carnage.

markyR · Mar 12, 2013

you might just be able to re tap it. as you say a hoover and spin it over without the plug in the cyl.

aarondown91 · Mar 14, 2013

I have the same problem and mines firing on 3 cylinders now. You come up with any solution in the end other then taking head off?

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Spark plug spinning in cylinder head

J B

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Scullies

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s3dave

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markyR

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J B

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Lewis583

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markyR

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aarondown91

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