Scalpel

iTrader: (4)

My friend has a Geo Prizm, the spark plug and its threads shot out of the head today. My question is, what's the best way to repair this?

Can I do it with the head on the car?

I have seen this kit, but it's only for, what i can gather, stripped threads:
http://toolrage.com/prodView.asp?idproduct=1091

For those that have replaced/put in new spark plug threads, let me know what you did, Heli-coil, etc.

PS, it's a 4-cyl FWD so there is great access to that spark plug hole.

Scalpel

iTrader: (4)

Or I could use a Time Sert.

Beast96Z

iTrader: (21)

The timeserts look to be the pimp way to go.

mrhzk35404

iTrader: (7)

I used the heli-coil set like you have there and it lasted for a little while then just blew the plug out. I ended up getting a used head for the car. Is it an aluminum head?

Scalpel

iTrader: (4)

It is an aluminum head.

mrhzk35404

iTrader: (7)

yeah mine was too. Maybe better to just get a new head than chance it like I did. I will never do it again.

wrencher

iTrader: (2)

The solid sleeve time sert is the way to go. Have done it many times they work.It is the only fix for northstar caddy blocks also, they pull the head bolt threads out. Time sert every friggin hole. R&R motor & .5 per hole X 40 =$$$

ahowudoin

iTrader: (2)

The only way a heli coil will work is to pull the head and put in from the inside.

ROCNDAV

iTrader: (100)

My wife's old Isuzu rodeo use to always spit out #4 (IIRC) I finally got tired of it and helicoiled it. Never failed again for the remaining two years that we owned the truck.