As I pulled the heads I noticed one of the spark plug holes has had an insert of somesort inserted. Problem is, the insert sticks out of the hole about 1/8 or more. Looks like the insert was not screwed down all the way or backed out. Either way, it changes the depth of the spark plug.

 

 

This is with both plugs screwed all the way in. Notice the one on the right is not in as far. This is the one with the insert:

 

 

 

No Insert side:

 

 

Insert Side:

 

 

Both holes showing. On the right is the insert sticking part way out:

 

 

Close-up of the insert. Sorry; the macro on this camera sucks!

 

 

I know this is not normal but does anyone think this will affect ignition at all?

Should I take it to the machine shop and have this fixed?

Yes, that will affect your ignition. You should either try to get the insert sitting flush, or take it out and use a new one.

That looks like a TIMESERT.

 

 

Put an old sparkplug into that hole to the depth of the top of the hole and then hit the plug sideways which cracks the top of the insert off flush.

 

If you have trouble and want to mail the head to me I will fix it for you.

That looks like a TIMESERT.

 

 

Thats exactly what I thought when I saw it. If done right, those are neat inserts.

 

Oh, and just to ease your mind, that was an installation error. It wasn't put in far enough (or drilled out correctly based on what I can see on the back side of the head. Those things do NOT back out. Definitely repairable though.

That looks like a TIMESERT.

 

 

Put an old sparkplug into that hole to the depth of the top of the hole and then hit the plug sideways which cracks the top of the insert off flush.

 

 

Okay, I'll try that thanks.

 

Does everyone else agree on this method (not doubting your skills ShawnW, just making double-sure)? This is a one time shot for me and I don't want to screw it up.

 

Also, by snapping the top off wouldn't I loose the sealing surface of the insert? Seems this perticular insert is designed for sparkplugs.

Ideally, you would have the specialy tool/tap thing to seat that indsert with. However, in this case I defer to Shawn's judgement. He has probably used those things more than I have.

i like the idea of finding the tool to screw this thing in all the way. can he just use a bolt with the same pitch threads as the spark plugs (M18x1.5 for the EA82's...don't know EA81), anyway, screw a bolt down the spark plug hole until the head seats against the insert....then if you keep cranking on it, won't it eventually thread down further? guess it depends how well/not so well it was drilled out to begin with?

 

for us that can't stand to take our stuff in....whatever is left over after shawn's method can surely be smoothed out with some grinding accessories, access to the insert is the only thing making this difficult. even a very large drill bit carefully manipulated could machine that down close to stock.