Okay, I have NEVER had this happen to me, nor have I ever heard of it happening to anyone else. So needless to say, I feel pretty frickin stupid right now.

It's actually on my truck. '96 Silverado w/ a Vortec 350. Yep, those would be CAST IRON heads I managed to somehow strip. Grrrrr...

It's on cylinder #8, which is passenger side closest to the firewall.

So is there a tap I can use? Even if there is, that idea scares me. I might end up cross threading, especially since spark plug #8 really ain't that accessible.

Anyway, any advice?

Thanks,
Ryan

Oh, yes, there is a new set of taps that are like collet chucks in reverse!! You start the right one in the hole and screw in the size mandrel and back out the whole gizmo a couple of times by readjusting the inner size mandrel until you've got her!!

Just grease the sucker up good to catch any possible loose cuttings...

I saw the article in one of the latest mag's telling about them..

Hope the tool works as good as the article eludes to...


pdq67

These are excellent for repairing spark plug threads. http://www.timesert.com/sprksert.html
Jim

I once did the same thing on the side of the road. I was running headers, so accesability was not good either. I cut slots across the threads of the old plug, smeared it with grease and threaded it back in, like a tap. It worked great. You can also pick up a tool, with the right thread at any auto parts store if your's isn't too bad. Hope that helps! Good luck!

Just don't panic (like I would) and take your time. Remove any interference you can so your access is good. You might have only one shot at fixing it with the head still on the motor.

Ttt!!

As usual, I found the article while sitting on the Throne!!

Starr Products
1602 Carolina Street, D-12
Bellingham, WA 98229
Telephone: 1-888-378-2777
www.starrproducts.com (http://www.starrproducts.com)

They make the "reverse-tap" sparkplug hole re-threaders in 10, 12, 14 and 18 mm sizes for anybody that needs to fix a bad spark plug hole thread..

The article is in the Jan/2004 issue of CC on page 98.. I probably wouldn't use one once in 10 years, but it would be worth it's weight in... when I had to!!!

pdq67