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Spark Plug Thread

Old Jul 11, 2017 | 04:24 PM
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I am replacing spark plugs on my 73 454 they take a T44. I am having a problem with one of the holes and would like to clean up the threads. Everything I see says this is a 14mmx1.25. But in 1973 this would be an SAE designation. Is the 14mmx1.25 the identical thread?
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Old Jul 11, 2017 | 04:59 PM
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For a 73 454 the stock spark plug is a R45TS. The thread is 14mm for that plug.
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Old Jul 11, 2017 | 05:51 PM
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In the past, when I had to clean up any threads, and didn't know what size they were, I'd use whatever came out of the hole (as long as it's the correct threads for the hole) and use that.


This will cost you a spark, or maybe just use an old one. I cut a "V" kind of shape in the threads. But, I cut the one side of the V vertical with the threads, similar to the picture, but I make mine perpendicular to the threads, and not angled. Either is personal preference. Use a good bit of wheel bearing grease to hold any thread particles that may come out of the hole


Good luck
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Old Jul 11, 2017 | 11:34 PM
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If this is for a head that is assembled to an engine and in a car....what happens to the chips you generate by 'cleaning up the threads'?
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Old Jul 12, 2017 | 07:21 AM
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Originally Posted by 7T1vette
If this is for a head that is assembled to an engine and in a car....what happens to the chips you generate by 'cleaning up the threads'?
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Old Jul 12, 2017 | 08:07 AM
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Originally Posted by USAFVeteran
In the past, when I had to clean up any threads, and didn't know what size they were, I'd use whatever came out of the hole (as long as it's the correct threads for the hole) and use that.


This will cost you a spark, or maybe just use an old one. I cut a "V" kind of shape in the threads. But, I cut the one side of the V vertical with the threads, similar to the picture, but I make mine perpendicular to the threads, and not angled. Either is personal preference. Use a good bit of wheel bearing grease to hold any thread particles that may come out of the hole


Good luck
I use a thread chaser for that.
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Old Jul 12, 2017 | 10:30 AM
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A little WD-40 just might do the trick. Beyond that, try a plug thread chaser packed in grease.
A plug should thread in with finger torque only. I use a little anti-seize.
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Old Jul 12, 2017 | 11:29 AM
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For chasing spark plug threads buy this tool called a Powerbuilt Back Tap. I bought mine for about $15 on eBay or Amazon. You insert the tool into the hole, twist the **** to expand the thread chasers and then screw the tool out. It works like a charm and any crap or shavings fall outside the cylinder.
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Old Jul 12, 2017 | 02:29 PM
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Originally Posted by USAFVeteran
Use a good bit of wheel bearing grease to hold any thread particles that may come out of the hole


Good luck
Originally Posted by 7T1vette
If this is for a head that is assembled to an engine and in a car....what happens to the chips you generate by 'cleaning up the threads'?

That's why I said use a good bit of wheel bearing grease. And, I'd have the piston at the top of the stroke, I'd use a vacuum tube in the cylinder, and maybe even some compressed air. I thought we all knew how to do that, and didn't want to insult anybody's intelligence. I guess I should cover EVERY step extensively from now on?
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Old Jul 12, 2017 | 02:33 PM
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I would hope we all know that a thread chaser, or a tap of any kind, of the right size, is the best. But, if you don't have the money to buy it right now, or it's midnight, or you really want to get it done, this is a suggestion to do just that.
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Old Jul 12, 2017 | 02:53 PM
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Spark Plug Thread Chaser. Very reasonably priced: https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/SER730
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