I resently bought an 83 4wd wagon and i decided to replace the plugs and wires. 3 of the 4 plugs came out easily but one was pretty tight. When i went to put the new one in i hand tightend it about two revolutions and then i was tight. I knew this was all the way in and didnt want to screw up the threds so i took the plug out. On the thred of the plug thier were little metal shavings. So i came the the conclusion that the previos person who installed the plug screwed up the threds. What should i do to fix the threds so i can put in the spark plug?

Thanks

David

They make a tool called a threadchase. It's like a Tap but instead of cutting threads, it reforms them. Most auto parts stores sell them.

I am not sure of the exact procedure, but if it is bad it will have to have a helicoil installed. That will probably involve the head to be taken off.

As stated above, look for a "spark plug thread chaser".........it will have 14mm and 18mm (just flip it) and it will fit into your spark plug socket................this is a common problem...........

 

To avoid this in the future, try a 3' foot chunk of 3/8" fuel/pcv line. Push it down over the ribbed part of the plug and use the fuel line like an extension............... thread it in by hand.......when it stops (or if it jams) ,the fuel line will "strip" off the plug; no damage to threads............also makes a great "universal" to get around obstructions............this is an old trick we used to change plugs at the track............. on a hot engine equipped with headers......kept our fingers from getting burned!

Check this thread

 

http://www.ultimatesubaru.org/usmb/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=7077&highlight=stripped+spark+plug

Thanks alot i'll pick up that thred chaser tomorrow. I was thinking that a part like that would do the trick.

David