TransAm2002

iTrader: (3)

Well, I decided to change my plugs today and the passenger front spark plug is cross threaded in. I have no clue how it got that way. I have done about 10 plug changes and never messed one up. Although, I did not change that side, a friend did. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Mad]" src="gr_images/icons/mad.gif" /> How do I get it out? Do I have to pull off the head to do it and get it retapped? I hope not. Please help. I need to get this taken care of. Thanks in advance. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="gr_stretch.gif" />

DaddySS

If you access to the plug area, pull the plug, bring the piston to TDC, oil a thread tap, tap it, blow the cylinder out with compressed air and see how well the plug fits. If it holds you're lucky, if not you can sleeve the threads but that will require real good access to the plug area.

eallanboggs

iTrader: (1)

You better hope that plug isn't all the way in so some of the threads are still in tact. I would very gingerly try to remove that plug. I'd spray on a LOT of WD-40 or something like that to help ease out the plug. Use a thread chaser to dress up the damaged threads. Be SURE you have got the tool into the ORIGINAL threads and not the PHANTOM threads before you run the thread chaser all the way home. I'd remove the thread chaser several times during this process to wipe off metal filings which you sure don't want finding their way into the combustion chamber. I wouldn't torque this plug up to the factory spec. after the thread repair. I'd be extra careful when tightening the plug down or you will strip the remaining threads. If the threads are already damaged beyond repair you will need a heli-coil. If you can pull that one off with the head mounted and managed to not get any metal filings into your cylinder you must have Mother Thersa as you gardian angel. I'd pull the head and send it to a machine shop if a heli-coil is needed.

SSHOTROD

iTrader: (5)

question, is the new spark plug or the old spark plug cross threaded???

i would suggest you pull the head and repair. if not this may become a maintance nightmare everytime you even think about changing plugs. inspect the plug and see how badly damaged, if very light, just repair but if its boogered -pull it.

Pro Stock John

iTrader: (34)

Did you tighten it up all the way or just like 4-5 revolutions?

I've seen two instances were someone was cross threading #1 and in both cases... we squirted a little oil, and then backed the plugs out. I always put a little oil on the plug threads, and then I hand tighten the plugs... I visually check angle. In both cases there was no lingering problem. For some reason #1 can go in crooked really easily.

TransAm2002

iTrader: (3)

It is the old plug. I ran it at the track today with it like that and pulled a new best on the motor. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Eek!]" src="gr_eek2.gif" /> But I tried to hit the N20 and I get a misfire code, so I know it not helping me there.

I think it is all the way in. I did not install the plug, a friend did it about 10,000 miles ago for while I did the other side. So I have no clue on how far it is in or anything. I am affraid to pull it out because I need my car. Damn, I do not know what to do. I guess pull the head off. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Sad]" src="gr_sad.gif" />

By the way, do you think the TNT n20 could have maybe pushed the plug out or made it that way? A few of us think that might have done it. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Confused]" src="images/icons/confused.gif" /> What do you all think? Thanks for all of the help. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="gr_stretch.gif" />

<small>[ December 07, 2002, 04:42 PM: Message edited by: TransAm2002 ]</small>

Danny2tek

iTrader: (1)

<img border="0" alt="[guns]" title="" src="graemlins/gr_guns.gif" /> ..friend

TransAm2002

iTrader: (3)

TTT

DaddySS

One way or the other the plug is going to have to come out. You'll probably want to plan for the car being out of action then try to remove it and clean up the threads. If that doesn't work then you'all probably have to take the head off. AS stated above, tring to do a helicoil job on the car will probably take an awful lot of luck.

Damian

iTrader: (89)

#1 rule when it comes to changing plugs, ALWAYS HAND TIGHTEN FIRST

TransAm2002

iTrader: (3)

Ok, thanks. Looks like I am SOL. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Sad]" src="gr_sad.gif" /> <img border="0" title="" alt="[Mad]" src="gr_images/icons/mad.gif" />