stripped sparkplug threads on a LT1 head
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 135
Likes: 0
From: Pitman NJ
stripped sparkplug threads on a LT1 head
I just changed the plugs for the first time with my 94 LT1. #7 plug was vey hard to turn out. When I got it out completely I found the threads were stripped for the first 5 or 6 turns. Do I need to pull the head off or is there a way I can repair it on the car? Any thoughts? :banghead:
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 2,710
Likes: 1
From: Green Bay WI
Re: stripped sparkplug threads on a LT1 head (JDANNER)
:( You might be able to re-tap the threads depending on how much damage there is. It would also be beneficial to have someone with a bore scope check out the cylinder to see if the head suffered any damage (which may necessitate head removal).
I went through something similar to this last year (the #8 plug broke and there was nothing to grab on to to get it out of the head). Had the car towed via flat bed to a dealership and one of their techs had a tool (the last one he tried) that finally got the plug out. Thankfully there was no head damage. Hope it works out for you!
I went through something similar to this last year (the #8 plug broke and there was nothing to grab on to to get it out of the head). Had the car towed via flat bed to a dealership and one of their techs had a tool (the last one he tried) that finally got the plug out. Thankfully there was no head damage. Hope it works out for you!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 7,281
Likes: 5
From: Boston
Re: stripped sparkplug threads on a LT1 head (cprgmr)
Not good, in aluminum heads you shouldnt tight the plugs to hard, depending on how it looks you might get away with just taping a new tread in, go to a machine shop and talk to the guys and see if they can do it. also if you do it after the thread is done dont put put the SP in, crank the engine like that so that the little pieces of metal can come out, you might considered puting some gas in the cyl to do that also, but dont get in front of it because it will spray right out with all the junk inside.
Later :cheers:
Later :cheers:
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 135
Likes: 0
From: Pitman NJ
Re: stripped sparkplug threads on a LT1 head (JDANNER)
Thanks for the help! I went to Napaonline.com and they sell for $7ish a tapered tap tool (3/8" drive) that should repair the threads. Only the first few threads are damaged. If that does not work they also sell a Helicoil repair kit for around $15 which will give me Stainless Steel threads. I should not have to remove the head! :hurray: A mechanic buddy told me, after :rofl: that I need to make sure the piston is down. Then using a cutting oil try to re-tap the threads. Once that is done, with the plug out turn over the engine to blow the crap out. Then use anti-seize on the threads before installing the plug
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 1,075
Likes: 2
From: Brookhaven Pa
Re: stripped sparkplug threads on a LT1 head (JDANNER)
If you have to re-tap the hole do not use cutting oil. First you have to have the right cutting oil for aluminum and second you would be better off fill the tap with grease, this will catch and hold most of the pieces of aluminum from tapping the hole.
