Free hellicoil whan I took out my sparkplug.

Fireball xl5 Seriously Crusin Dubber

193 posts · joined May 2006 · 8 Aug 2006, 10:14 am

#519650

Decided to change my plugs in the type 3 this morning, all going well till I took out the left hand side closest to back of the car, not sure which cyl number, and it came with a free hellicoil. bugger.
If I strip off all the tin wear, I should be able to get at it, but as it has already pulled a hellicoil out a new one may not work, or will it?
Or is it a change the cylinder head job?

Jeza Officially Full-On Dubber

353 posts · joined Jan 2003 · 8 Aug 2006, 11:25 am

#519665

Mine did that. I replaced the plugs and spent a bit of time cursing and swearing, wondering why the plug wouldn't go back in - until a freind said "giz a look at that" and pointed out the hole was to big for the plug, so we had a look at the old plug and hey presto one Heli-coil.

Afraid I don't have much advice as we just bolted up another old head I had lying around as a temporary fix, which lasted until I swapped the motor for one in better condition (several years!).

......random gibberish for today.......

Volkswagenboy Staggers Automotive.

2,437 posts · joined Jul 2005 · 8 Aug 2006, 11:27 am

#519667

Your best bet would just be to look at it, take the tinware off etc so you can see just how bad the thread is (In the head where the helicoil threads into). If it's too chewed out the head may need to be removed, if not try installing another helicoil.
I'd say it'd be too risky because of the swarf caused by the helicoil AND the small tang which needs to be removed from the helicoil, ensuring it doesn't enter the combustion chamber.
If you feel confident that you know what you're doing, and that you're doing it correctly, go ahead.
If not I'd suggest taking the head off (Which sucks big time, but if that tang falls in it'll have to be done anyway).
It all depends on what you want to do.
Good luck and I hope this rambling makes sense to you all.
-Staggers.

STAGGERS AUTOMOTIVE - Heavy Vehicle Diesel Specialist

JB CUSTOMS & CLASSICS - Car Builders

2/53 Tradelink Drive, Browns Plains

Bizarre Moderator The artist formerly known as blue74l

12,789 posts · joined Aug 2002 · 8 Aug 2006, 12:59 pm

#519704

http://www.timesert.com/

Much better than a helicoil and can be dome with motor in place

V Force did mine when i blew a plug

Futue te ipsum!!!

mackaymanx Custom Title Time!

1,611 posts · joined Jan 2006 · 8 Aug 2006, 4:25 pm

#519759

I'd just try another heli-coil, they usually have a fair bit of sping to them. As Volkswagenboy said just be careful of the tang, run the correct tap down the hole if you have access to one.

Quote of the week
"Do I wish to send them to you again, nope, no interest can't be bothered really, to much hassle for little or no return."

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