I was replacing a spark plug and the old one came out fine and the threads on it were fine but when I put the new plug in and started to HAND tighten it the threads in the head were all messed up. Now I know I don't have superman strength in my hands so I don't know how this happened unless the guy that owns the quad just crossthreaded the plug into the head and tightened it anyway. Is this something that I can just tap and clean up the threads or how do I go about fixing it?

Thanks!

 

They best solution for the long run would be to install a heli-coil.

If this is on your CR, just take the head off and do it yourself. No big deal.

If this is on your 300EX [or any other 4 stroke], you might want to carry it to your dealer unless either you are capable of removing the head yourself OR if you want to take the risk of not dropping any metal shavings into your combustion chamber.

Most dealers will charge you under 30.00 for this to be done.

 

Well it's on a Bayou 220 that I'm doing some repairs on for a friend. How much does a Heli Coil kit run and is there a specific size or pitch coil that I need to use?

 

You can get just one from an auto parts house if they have the right size. They only run a few dollars. Just take a new spark plug with you when you go to get one. That way they will know what diameter,pitch, and length to give you. They can also give you some tips on installing it to make it easier on you. [IF you find a GOOD parts house]

 

You should have 3 options, the first is the heli coil this works fine but you have to remove the head, the second is a another tool on the market and if memory serves correctly it's called quicksert and is similar to the heli coil only if your careful you won't have to remove the head, you just usae a special tool to cut out the old threads and then you insert a sleeve which becomes your new hole with threads just take your time and put lots of grease on the cutting tool to catch aluminum filing's, clean it and regrease often during the process and the third is if the threads are still there you can take an old plug and cut three evenly spaced vertical slots in the threads of the old plug say about a quarter inch deep or so and gently run the plug into the current hole, the slots will cut and should clean up the old threads. you may have to repeat this process a few times and maybe use a couple of old plugs but it is relatively easy and cheap. I have used options two and three and both times worked fine.