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Author Topic: Spark plug thread stripped  (Read 1150 times)

sdw

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Spark plug thread stripped
« on: September 02, 2009, 11:44:38 AM »
Hi ... it's me, Steve Wicks, but my adsl line is down so I reregistered - now I can use my laptop & 3G network

Today I wanted to change plugs as the plugs are still the same as when I bought her in January 8000km ago and they were old then.

To my horror I discovered the left thread is stripped and there was some brown paste/glue/loctite or something around the threads.

This obviously happened at the place that did my pushrod seals .... but how will I ever prove it???

What is a quick solution ...... how big a job is it. I've got a 300km trip on Friday, return on Sat and on Sunday I do another 300km in the opposite direction and return on Monday!!!
« Last Edit: September 02, 2009, 11:47:44 AM by sdw »

Offline Bengt_Phorqs

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Re: Spark plug thread stripped
« Reply #1 on: September 02, 2009, 12:26:28 PM »
See this thread from about six months back.  "Cross Threaded Spark Plug 02/01/09 at 15:54:15".  I had a problem with a cross threaded spark plug hole and found this tool at one of the local hardware/auto stores.  Worked great for me.  I may have posted a photo on the gallery but don't recall.

Oh the other hand, you may have a full blown hole stripped out in which case your only solution is to repair it with a heli-coil insert.  That means pulling the head to do it correctly.
Bengt Phorqs, Jake R90/6, R80/7, R1200RTw, Moto Guzzi California EV , Triumph TR250W, Yamaha TY250A Trials, Suzuki DR650

Offline Rob Valdez 79 R65

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Re: Spark plug thread stripped
« Reply #2 on: September 02, 2009, 05:02:47 PM »
Quote
See this thread from about six months back.  "Cross Threaded Spark Plug 02/01/09 at 15:54:15".  

http://www.bmwr65.org/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1233525255/0#0

steve_wicks

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Re: Spark plug thread stripped
« Reply #3 on: September 03, 2009, 07:46:38 AM »
Okay ... so it sems that Mutti will go under the knife......!! :o

Offline Justin B.

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Re: Spark plug thread stripped
« Reply #4 on: September 04, 2009, 11:43:44 AM »
Steve, it is possible to fix without removing the head.  I have never done this on an Airhead but have on an old Mercedes 450.  Use the "solid" thread inserts and liberally (only context you will ever see me use that word in a positive sense) coat the tap with sticky grease to catch and retain the chips.  All-in-all, though, in the case of an Airhead it very well might be easier to pull the head.
Justin B.

2004 BMW R1150RT
1981 R100RT - Summer bike, NEKKID!!!

Landlubber

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Re: Spark plug thread stripped
« Reply #5 on: September 04, 2009, 04:13:24 PM »
Yeah, do it once and do it right, pull the head mate.

I have seen people do it and hopefully no swarf goes down the burrow, but it is simply just not worth it, do it right and you will be happy in the end.

joshr65

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Re: Spark plug thread stripped
« Reply #6 on: September 05, 2009, 07:50:19 PM »
Justin, I respectfully suggest we keep political views out of this forum.

Thx

Offline Justin B.

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Re: Spark plug thread stripped
« Reply #7 on: September 06, 2009, 09:05:41 AM »
I didn't realize I had said anything "political"!   :D
Justin B.

2004 BMW R1150RT
1981 R100RT - Summer bike, NEKKID!!!

Offline montmil

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Re: Spark plug thread stripped
« Reply #8 on: September 06, 2009, 11:45:31 AM »
Quote
Justin, I respectfully suggest we keep political views out of this forum. Thx

I think I get it!  Funny, Josh.  [smiley=laugh.gif]
Monte Miller
Denton, TEXAS
1978 BMW R100S
1981 BMW R65
1983 BMW R65
1995 Triumph Trophy
1986 VW Cabriolet