oh cra*

[nyernga]

Had my son helping me change the plugs today. 7 out of 8 went well. The 2nd plug from the front on the drivers side came out easy (or so he claims) but the new plug only screws in a 1/4 of the way and stops. A closer look at the hole revealed thread problems. I'm afraid he may have cross threaded when he started. He had the good sense to stop where he was so it's only an 1/8th of an inch messed up.
Now.....since this hole is in a rare wide open area of the engine compartment, I'm going to tap a new hole, vacuming and reversing the tap often to avoid shavings getting inside.. Does anyone know what size tap to use?

Len

 

[1984C4]

Wow, Sorry to hear about the dilema. I have always had the fear of cross threading myself with plugs. I have a cross threaded (stripped) bolt hole on my tranny pan but I put a longer bolt in it and ran a nut and lock washer on the back. I know you can't do that on a plug. Don't know what size tap to use but just find the correct die that will run up un the plug theads and use the same size tap. I would have your little helper hold suction on the hole the entire time you are running it to catch the shavings. Good luck. Keep us posted.

 

[vetteboy86]

Len,

Sorry to hear about that buddy. I just said something to my brother yesterday how much a PITA it would be if that happened. I dont know what size tap to use. I would be really afraid of shavings. Are you capable of taking the head off, and yes I know that is a really PITA. Not sure what procedure you should use here.

Man I hope someone else will know what to do, and help you out.

Good luck buddy,
Craig

 

[bradfordsvettes]

they sell tools just for this job . they are not that expensive and may be your best bet it will only chase the thread and not enlarge them like a tap might just my 2 cents Steve

 

[nyernga]

Len,

Sorry to hear about that buddy. I just said something to my brother yesterday how much a PITA it would be if that happened. I dont know what size tap to use. I would be really afraid of shavings. Are you capable of taking the head off, and yes I know that is a really PITA. Not sure what procedure you should use here.

Man I hope someone else will know what to do, and help you out.

Good luck buddy,
Craig

Thanks Craig. I'll be calling my mechanic tomorrow to find out if he'll loan me his tool. I'm sure he has one but if not, I'll follow Steve's advice and buy the correct tool. (billable to my son of course)
Like I said, I'm just happy it's the easiest plug hole to get to with ample room for re-tooling it. I figue a shop vac while tapping, oil and very very slow turns constantly backing out the shavings and I should be able to eliminate any shavings.
So for now my transmission is a 4 + 3 and my engine is an 8 - 1...

Len

 

[DanC]

I'm unsure of the size, but when running the tap or thread chaser, grease it up. The chips will stick to the grease.

Good luck.

 

[nyernga]

I'm unsure of the size, but when running the tap or thread chaser, grease it up. The chips will stick to the grease.

Good luck.

Not a bad idea Dan. Sounds even better then using oil...........Thanks. BTW, Summit has exact;y what I need and it's only 25 bucks.........

Len

 

[I_R_DA_ONE]

Befor you start run the cylinder in question to top dead center....then after you finish use a small hose to run into that cylinder to vaccum any particals out...connect the small hose to a shop vac or something of that nature.....
just a hint....
Mike R

 

[goldeneye_vet]

Thread chaser is available at Napa for around $5 and use a good amount of grease and you are good to go. 1/8" isn't bad at all. Happens to the best of us!

 

[G Winter]

Now I know where Murphy went. He hasn't bothered me in a week.... knock on wood.

 

[nyernga]

Now I know where Murphy went. He hasn't bothered me in a week.... knock on wood.

I sent him packing. He mentioned something about cornfields......

 

[G Winter]

OH CRAP. Gotta go lock the garage.

 

[rrubel]

So for now my transmission is a 4 + 3 and my engine is an 8 - 1...

that gives you a 14. And as long as that wasn't her real age, you're fine .

Be glad you didn't wind up with a stripped plug... you'd have to pull the head and tap it for a helicoil. That's the only bad thing about AL heads...

[RICHR]

 

[nyernga]

Be glad you didn't wind up with a stripped plug... you'd have to pull the head and tap it for a helicoil.

[RICHR]

Not to mention I'd need a place to hide my sons body..... Apparently the new taps work from the inside out ie: you basically rethread in reverse so the shavings come out and not in. The repair kit should be here tomorrow from Summitt. I will let you guys know how it went. Of course if you hear on the news about a father shotting his son then you'll know it didnt work...

Len

 

[vetteboy86]

Good luck buddy, I know we all wish you the best. If you all havn't heard look for a post by vettefan87 tonight. Just goes to show you that $h!t happens.

Best wishes for a speedy repair

 

[Vettefan87]

Yeah I have to get these photos resized but expect an awesome thread in about a half hour or so.

 

[nyernga]

The hole is tapped, the plug is in and the car runs great. Next step.....distributor cap, rotor and coil.

whew!!!!!!!!!!!!! That was close. Thanks for all the advice folks....

Len

 

[vetteboy86]

Len, congrats on a job well done

 

[Moonunit 451]

The hole is tapped, the plug is in and the car runs great. Next step.....distributor cap, rotor and coil.

whew!!!!!!!!!!!!! That was close. Thanks for all the advice folks....

Len

Just saw this, I'm happy to see it all turned out OK. Kids and mechanics, you got some faith man

 

[nyernga]

Len, congrats on a job well done

Thanks Craig. I'm glad it was a repairable issue...

Len