When it rains it pours....
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 74
Likes: 11
From: Bradenton Florida
2017 C4 of Year Finalist
When it rains it pours....
I was pulling the plugs today and found the previous owner stripped the #7 plug hole.
This brings me to two more questions, We all know that it is an impossibility to heli-core a spark plug hole with the head on the car (LT-1)
1) is it possible or is there any way to fix the hole thread without removing the head,
using a heli-coil is prohibited because of the tight fit.
2) Because of this and several other problems, If it come to replacing the motor, (after all other attempts to fix it have failed) what would the best choice for a current crate motor that is reasonably priced and would fit my 94 vette LT-1 I have heard that the electronics must be compatible because of the C-4 ECM, What can I expect to pay for a crate motor, and installation costs, I am just preparing for the sticker shock.
Thanks
This brings me to two more questions, We all know that it is an impossibility to heli-core a spark plug hole with the head on the car (LT-1)
1) is it possible or is there any way to fix the hole thread without removing the head,
using a heli-coil is prohibited because of the tight fit.
2) Because of this and several other problems, If it come to replacing the motor, (after all other attempts to fix it have failed) what would the best choice for a current crate motor that is reasonably priced and would fit my 94 vette LT-1 I have heard that the electronics must be compatible because of the C-4 ECM, What can I expect to pay for a crate motor, and installation costs, I am just preparing for the sticker shock.
Thanks
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 3,451
Likes: 336
From: Greater Cincinnati Area.
I am admittedly unfamiliar with the LT1 cylinder head, but we helicoil aluminum castings here daily. I mean, it happens A LOT.
The taps here aren't plug taps. But looking at them, half the tap is shank. You can whack that with a zizz wheel and grind flats on it in a pinch.
I've turned them with everything.
I have created starting tools from bolts with a dremel cutter slice in the end.
As long as it is reasonably straight, and you get the insert bottomed, helicoils are completely free form. You don't have to have it on the bench. You do have to be careful.
IMVHO.
The taps here aren't plug taps. But looking at them, half the tap is shank. You can whack that with a zizz wheel and grind flats on it in a pinch.
I've turned them with everything.
I have created starting tools from bolts with a dremel cutter slice in the end.
As long as it is reasonably straight, and you get the insert bottomed, helicoils are completely free form. You don't have to have it on the bench. You do have to be careful.
IMVHO.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 897
Likes: 91
From: Poughkeepsie, NY
Last edited by 89dd; Oct 31, 2016 at 09:29 PM.
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 74
Likes: 11
From: Bradenton Florida
2017 C4 of Year Finalist
I ordered a thread cleaner bit, if that doesn't work (I doubt it will) then I have also ordered the insert set as shown. I don't think I will be able to set the insert with the setting tool but hopefully I can get a new thread cut and then put the insert on the spark plug, then put both in the hole and snug it down tight enough to hold permanantly. I intend on blowing out the cylinder after cutting, did you have much of a problem with the cuttings going into the hole. i can not see into the bore so I will just give it my best.
Thanks I am grateful and need all the help I can get.
Woody
Thanks I am grateful and need all the help I can get.
Woody
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 10,036
Likes: 346
From: Anaheim CA
The usual method is to load up the tap with plenty of grease to catch the metal chips. Go slow and clean the tap often.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 2,478
Likes: 254
From: Downers Grove Illinois
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