Spark Plugs Refuse to Move

[john.p.clegg]

I know there is another thread about helicoils running at the moment,and not being a qualified engineer assume they are an upgrade to threads in aluminium......comments re. helicoils in the plugs?

John

[rgh0]

You can use them if you strip the threads but I would not deliberately fit them unless needed. If you use anti-seize on the sparkplug threads and don't over torque you should not have a problem removing and refitting new plugs. I use Loctite nickel anti-seize.

I you put in an insert, pay attention to the depth and don't fit so it is exposed inside the head. One side of the plug hole thread is much shorter than the other.

cheers
Rohan

[AlfaLofa]

I'm still soaking the plugs with everything I've got!!

The Postie just delivered some PlusGas - so that's what I will use next.

I haven't tried heat yet - I've been warned off using the oven

But I might have a go with a hot-air gun.

[nomad]

Steve, even if the Mrs doesn't care for the oven approach I would think someone would have one you could use. A shop that does work on Al heads should have one. Definitely if they work on twin cam heads. The expansion rate of Al against that of steel works wonder's. When i did motorcycle bearing swap's it was fairly common for the old bearing to drop out with a light tap and the new bearing after being in the freezer to fall into the case's.

Kurt.
26/3754

[twincamman]

Try. Squirting some butain fuel on the plug only ....it's very cold and may shrink the plug enough to aid removal ....ed