| Author | Message | ||
     Dr_greg |
Well, when I finally got access to the rear plug hole, its threads are badly damaged; the spark plug will slide into the hole. So it looks like Heli-Coil (or the equivalent) time. I'll start removing the rear head. At least the Mechanical Engineering Department at my university just hired a new prototype machinist (who's an ex-dirtbike racer!) and he'll help me out if needed. Sigh. Can't imagine why it happened. I'm very careful with the rear plug; use plastic tubing to screw it in most of the way, then tighten. Oh well, looks like my camping trip next Thurs-Sat is in jeopardy... This is the first failure I've had in 54K miles that upsets me. Not very happy right now. My Uly evangelism may take a hit. | ||
| Xbimmer |
Sorry about the timing, but at least you'll know the job will be done right. You might check into Teeps' suggestion about Time-serts, I was on their site this a.m. and I'm sold over helicoiling in the future. http://www.timesert.com/ Good luck, keep us informed! | ||
| Rwven |
Dr Greg, You might want to check the front one also, it has had the plug replaced the same number of times as the rear. Did you use anti-sieze compound on the plugs when you replaced them? Or is that even a good idea? | ||
| Rotorhead |
I saw these http://www.frozenhorsepower.com/cgi-bin/technology .aspx?TypeId=mc while on a trip up at a shop in Williams AZ. Sales man was doing the sales thing but maybe with the "ease" of getting to our rear plug a higher quality plug may be in order? Anyone hear of these or if they work better or worth the money? | ||
| Thetable |
I would have to seriously consider key-locking inserts before I even thought about helicoils or anything of the like. The Key locking inserts are pricey, but they are the only thing I know of that is permanent. | ||
| Lost_in_ohio |
Sooooo, was the failure gradual or catastrophic? Just curious and adding to my personal knowledge. | ||
| Mikef5000 |
Catastrophic, the thing just popped out! | ||
| Dr_greg |
That's for sure. Absolutely no warning of any kind. One second fine, the next second BAP-BAP-BAP and no power. Just like that. I've always taken great care threading the rear plug, so I'm more than a little ticked off. Plus I had a camping trip scheduled for Thurs-Sat (our Fall Break - otherwise I never have time off in the fall). Oh, well, glad it didn't happen in the boonies. I've got the rear head off; I'll probably do a thread repair on both heads just for the heck of it. Not a happy camper (um, no pun intended, I think). | ||
| Etennuly |
Something I have been wondering about the plugs and head. There are plugs out there that are of the same heat ranges and of the same type, only they are of a larger diameter. What about drilling and tapping to a larger thread size(after finding the right plug first, of course)? | ||
| Red_chili |
Did you use anti-sieze compound on the plugs when you replaced them? Or is that even a good idea? That is ALWAYS a good idea when threading steel into aluminum. |
