Spark plug cross thread - 87 - HELP!
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 133
Likes: 0
From: Drums Pa
Spark plug cross thread - 87 - HELP!
Well I made a mountain out of a molehill and I need some advise!
Yesterday I changed the plugs and wires. I broke the ceramic on the right/passenger side front cylinder (believe it is number two).
This morning I attempted to replace it in a rush to get to church and guess what I frigged up.
I thought I had a few finger turns on it. This cylinder has a terrible angle on it.
Anyway now I am in trouble. I was able to get a 1/4 finger start on it at the down ward angle of the adjacent cylinder but I am uncertain of the lateral angle.
I am really po'd and my mind hurts so I came for some consultation.
Bummed,
Charlie
Yesterday I changed the plugs and wires. I broke the ceramic on the right/passenger side front cylinder (believe it is number two).
This morning I attempted to replace it in a rush to get to church and guess what I frigged up.
I thought I had a few finger turns on it. This cylinder has a terrible angle on it.
Anyway now I am in trouble. I was able to get a 1/4 finger start on it at the down ward angle of the adjacent cylinder but I am uncertain of the lateral angle.
I am really po'd and my mind hurts so I came for some consultation.
Bummed,
Charlie
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 133
Likes: 0
From: Drums Pa
Originally Posted by ffvetteman
Ohh sorry to hear. Thats my worst fear. I hope someone can help, sorry I cant.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 133
Likes: 0
From: Drums Pa
Originally Posted by 87Clwy
How far in did you get the plug before you realized it was cross threading?
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 88,393
Likes: 2
From: eville in
DO NOT DRIVE !!!!!did you see threads on the plug ???? even -orget a chase tap. gease the flute's (low area) run it in. with a 1/4"
racket or a small wrench... after you bring the tap out ,crank it over..
Now try a new plug , By hand !!!!!!! tighten it with a 1/4 " ratchet
just to tight..... And we hope!!!!!
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 133
Likes: 0
From: Drums Pa
Originally Posted by comp
DO NOT DRIVE !!!!!did you see threads on the plug ???? even -orget a chase tap. gease the flute's (low area) run it in. with a 1/4"
racket or a small wrench... after you bring the tap out ,crank it over..
Now try a new plug , By hand !!!!!!! tighten it with a 1/4 " ratchet
just to tight..... And we hope!!!!!
No I did not see them. Bad angle. I'm getting numb.
I'll be picking the tap up today. I know i'll have one crack at this and I have not done it on a alum head before. Any ideas on how to clear the work area to give clear access to getting the tap in? Dont know what the stuff in front of the plugs is.
I cant' belive that I did this but I am sure a shot of reality will come to me after work today. Wish me luck!
Bummed..
C
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 816
Likes: 0
From: Bremerton Wa
St. Jude Donor '04 &'05
Just tap and clean it out. It is hard to get at. I have done it on a few different cars with the head(s) on. Make sure you grease the tap it pulls some the of the shavings out.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 133
Likes: 0
From: Drums Pa
Retap a success ---
Originally Posted by comp
DO NOT DRIVE !!!!!did you see threads on the plug ???? even -orget a chase tap. gease the flute's (low area) run it in. with a 1/4"
racket or a small wrench... after you bring the tap out ,crank it over..
Now try a new plug , By hand !!!!!!! tighten it with a 1/4 " ratchet
just to tight..... And we hope!!!!!
I took the necessary emmissions and all the fender skirting off. Then carefully lined up the tap with the adjecent plug. Greased the fluts and gave it a few turns and rechecked until success was THINE.
I did not have to take the exhaust manifold off as was suggessted, thank goodness, but I did consider it.
Thanks to all for your assistance as it gave me the confidence needed to tackle and succeed. Never did this before.
Charlie
