Help! I'm stuck.

[Paddywhack]

Did she try with the plug already in the socket? I was afraid of cross threading also, but never saw any evidence of it. I remember dropping the plug several times trying to get it in, even losing it in the A arm sub frame for over an hour. I feel your pain, my hands were numb, bleeding. Wish I had an easier way for you...hopefully somebody here does!

 

[roger longman]

Thanks Paddywhack, I lost one in the A arm as well, it eventually fell out when I slammed the door ! Roger.

 

[bill5674]

hey roger, we feel your pain. might be the first couple threads are a little damaged.might be time to clean them up with a thread chase.when you think about it it seems dumb that the plug won`t go in ...but i`m supposted to get a chase in there! in a pince i have used an old plug that i cut the threads up and down with a hack saw blade....but with (i think you have aluminum heads) dont screw around too much with it. good luck,bill

 

[roger longman]

Thanks bill, I know the slotted plug thing but I don't think I can do it here. I'm guessing as you say the first couple of threads could be damaged. Yes it is an aluminium head, so it's off to the shop. Roger.

 

[G Winter]

If you can get in there with it , get a 1/2 in round brush like plumber use to clean copper sweat fittings. Screw that into the threads a few times along with some penetrating oil.

Glenn

 

[roger longman]

Thaqnks Glenn, I've decided to let the mechanic do it. I know it sounds defeative but I dont have a garage, which doesn't help. I cant understand how the threads could be damaged I've only used finger power and couldn't even get a good grip on it ! Roger.

 

[roger longman]

Hello, Well I found the old plug and closer inspection showed the first couple of threads were jiggered ! The mechanic "chased out" the head and after much checking the plug was back in. I still cant see how I could have damaged it taking it out ? Thanks to everyone. Now I have to think about no. 4. Roger.

 

[G Winter]

I have been told that if you do not wait till the engine is
stone cold before removing plugs from an aluminum head
that you can tear threads.

Glenn

 

[roger longman]

Thanks Glenn, The car had been sitting for 5 days before I started. I used to change plugs hot all the time when I raced motorcycles, never had that problem. They were all ali heads. Maybe I've just gotten more "ham fisted" as I've aged. Roger.