r.serio

I've searched every usable word to no avail. Is there something I can do without removing the head (I'm building the 355: See worked like a charm in the lounge)? I need your help guys.

Thanks,
Ron

mdacton

on that SS? if you can it wont be easy....

They make thread insert kits, I would go with that over a helicoil. I have done a ton of em mostly on quad 4 2.4L or twin cams 2.4 but never in a V-8 like that.....i'm sure it could be done just a bitch to get to.

I have done em with heads on cars...just pack the flutes of the tap with grease....keep it clean.

Boosted_Z28

Here are a couple of links:

http://www.timesert.com/html/sparkplug.html

http://www.amazon.com/Helicoil-5334-.../dp/B0002SRF4O

r.serio

Thanks for the replys guys. It's appreciated. I think i'm going to take the weekend off and shop. Off to the parts section.

shoebox

The problem is having the room to do the work with it in the car. Here is how you use an insert.
Depending on how bad the threads are (like only damaged on the outside), you can buy a kit that cleans up the threads from the inside out. NAPA sells them. You insert a special tool, expand it and then screw it out. As long as the inside threads are good (which most often, they are), the tool has a good chance of repairing the threads.

r.serio

Is this bad? I can push the plug in all the way & then pull it out.

joeSS97

Yes,that is very bad.You will need an insert.

shoebox

Yeah, sounds like the head will have to come off.

droptop z

How did it get THAT stripped out?

IDAREU

Call around at your local machine shops, there is a guy here who will come out and install a Timesert. You may have to remove the exhaust and some other things on that side but its better than having to yank the head. He charges my shop about $100-$150 depending on how much room he has. Ford 5.4L are notorious for blowing plugs out so we've had to do this on a couple vehicles.

Phatcaprice

I don't know if I'd chance it with the head on. You can be clean as a surgeon, but won't you still get metal shavings in the cylinder? I can't imagine that would be good at all.

r.serio

Here is an update on this. The mechanic @ pep boys put the plug in straight instead of on an angle. He only got so many turns before it tightened up. Putting the plug in on an angle allows me toget about 8 full turns until it tightens. I pulled off the driver exhaust manifold (the designer of this should be shot in the face along with the designer if the cat set up) and that is where i'm at now. Taking a break for a few to cool down.

speed_demon24

Please tell me you aren't having pep boys fix your car.

r.serio

Hell No . . . I wouldn't let them fix a flat. It's in the middle of my garage and i'm going to take my time taking care of this and fix some other thing while i'm in there.

Thank for all the replys. You know it's appreciated!

extreme79z

You know we spoke about how our cars kind of look the same? They also have the same problem. Mine is down at a buddy's house getting the heads pulled and stockers put back on it. I am depressed because I love that car.