Generation III Internal Engine 1997-2006 LS1 | LS6
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

Spark plug not threading

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Oct 31, 2005 | 01:12 PM
  #1  
ND4SPD _SS's Avatar
Thread Starter
11 Second Club
iTrader: (52)
 
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 420
Likes: 5
From: Winter Garden,Fl
Default Spark plug not threading

we did a header install and getting close to finish when the driver side last plug didn't wanna go in. tried time and time again and it won't tighten down. my question is do i have to pull the head or is there another way to rethread the hole?
thanks in advance for any help.
Reply
Old Oct 31, 2005 | 02:24 PM
  #2  
SuperC1's Avatar
TECH Enthusiast
iTrader: (4)
 
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 551
Likes: 0
From: MS
Default

Try using a spark plug thread cleaner from auto zone first, and if that doesn't work then you may have to pull the head and send it to a machine shop to have it repaired.
Reply
Old Oct 31, 2005 | 06:26 PM
  #3  
Zymosis's Avatar
TECH Fanatic
iTrader: (7)
 
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,309
Likes: 0
From: World
Default

Yeah spark plug cleaner or antiseize should help you thread it in.

If that doesnt work you will have to have it drilled and re threaded.
Reply
Old Oct 31, 2005 | 08:24 PM
  #4  
BriancWS6's Avatar
10 Second Club
iTrader: (18)
 
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 3,910
Likes: 1
From: The Garage
Default

If you go about it while installed on the car, make sure you do your very best to get all the **** out of the combustion chamber.
Reply
Old Oct 31, 2005 | 09:20 PM
  #5  
SuperC1's Avatar
TECH Enthusiast
iTrader: (4)
 
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 551
Likes: 0
From: MS
Default

I would avoid using antisieze if possible, it causes you to misthread the plug holes without knowing it. Run the thread cleaner in the hole a couple of times and make sure that all of the gunk it is out of it and use a new spark plug. This will ensure you don't misthread again.
If that doesn't work then pull the head. Don't dare try to repair it while it still on the car, the flakes will ruin your cylinder walls.
Reply
Old Nov 1, 2005 | 07:17 PM
  #6  
BriancWS6's Avatar
10 Second Club
iTrader: (18)
 
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 3,910
Likes: 1
From: The Garage
Default

Originally Posted by SuperC1
I would avoid using antisieze if possible, it causes you to misthread the plug holes without knowing it. Run the thread cleaner in the hole a couple of times and make sure that all of the gunk it is out of it and use a new spark plug. This will ensure you don't misthread again.
If that doesn't work then pull the head. Don't dare try to repair it while it still on the car, the flakes will ruin your cylinder walls.
Are you saying that antiseize makes you crossthread bolts, sparkplugs etc??? If so you are 110% WRONG. How is that gonna happen? It actually makes them start and thread in easier, you can do it by hand which REDUCES the chance of damaging the threads. If what your saying is true, that would mean that antiseize makes the threads jump outta line.....uh, not happening.

I am a machinist, and whether you are just screwing a bolt or whatever in, or actually tappin a hole, cutting threads, some type of lubricant is ALWAYS better.....
Reply
Old Nov 1, 2005 | 07:33 PM
  #7  
ND4SPD _SS's Avatar
Thread Starter
11 Second Club
iTrader: (52)
 
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 420
Likes: 5
From: Winter Garden,Fl
Default

Relax guys. i need help, not a fight. it's cool.
Reply
Old Nov 1, 2005 | 07:44 PM
  #8  
BriancWS6's Avatar
10 Second Club
iTrader: (18)
 
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 3,910
Likes: 1
From: The Garage
Default

No fight here, just trying to give you correct info....that's help right?
Reply
LS1 Tech Stories

The Best V8 Stories One Small Block at Time

story-0

Amazing '71 Camaro Restomod Is Modern Muscle Car Under the Skin

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-2

Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-4

Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!

 
story-5

Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Coachbuilt N2A Anteros Is an LS2-Powered C6 Corvette In Italian Clothes

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

Awesome K5 Blazer Restomod Comes With C7 Corvette Power

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

10 Camaros You Should Never Buy

 
story-9

10 LS Engine Myths That Refuse to Die

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Nov 1, 2005 | 09:13 PM
  #9  
SuperC1's Avatar
TECH Enthusiast
iTrader: (4)
 
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 551
Likes: 0
From: MS
Default

Originally Posted by BriancWS6
Are you saying that antiseize makes you crossthread bolts, sparkplugs etc??? If so you are 110% WRONG. How is that gonna happen? It actually makes them start and thread in easier, you can do it by hand which REDUCES the chance of damaging the threads. If what your saying is true, that would mean that antiseize makes the threads jump outta line.....uh, not happening.

I am a machinist, and whether you are just screwing a bolt or whatever in, or actually tappin a hole, cutting threads, some type of lubricant is ALWAYS
better.....
No, I'm not saying antiseize makes you crossthread bolts, but if you use it on your plugs be careful. This is what caused mine to misthread. Once I cleaned the plug hole and tried it wiyhout the anti-sieze I didn't have any problems with it anymore. I think antisieze is good product, i just don't like using it on aluminum heads.
Reply
Old Nov 1, 2005 | 09:34 PM
  #10  
BriancWS6's Avatar
10 Second Club
iTrader: (18)
 
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 3,910
Likes: 1
From: The Garage
Default

Originally Posted by SuperC1
No, I'm not saying antiseize makes you crossthread bolts, but if you use it on your plugs be careful. This is what caused mine to misthread. Once I cleaned the plug hole and tried it wiyhout the anti-sieze I didn't have any problems with it anymore. I think antisieze is good product, i just don't like using it on aluminum heads.
What do you mean by misthread?

Antiseize is especially good when used on aluminum material that has steel or other materials in them, it keeps them from possibly trashing the part when disassembling them later.

I have found it extremely easier to thread in header bolts and sparkplugs when using antiseize. And it makes removing them the next time sooo much easier.

I am NOT trying to be a dick or argue, just to help out the poster and understand someone elses different outlook on this topic
Reply
Old Nov 1, 2005 | 10:25 PM
  #11  
jermzz's Avatar
TECH Fanatic
iTrader: (18)
 
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,205
Likes: 0
From: Bay area, ca.
Default

I am assuming that you can't even get the spark plug in, not that it wont tighten down, or am I wrong?

Happened to me on the #7 cyl. Took a tap and GENTLY threaded it in and out of the sparkplug hole a couple times, then I used a thread cleaner to clean the threads.... spark plug went in fine after that.
Reply
Old Nov 1, 2005 | 10:59 PM
  #12  
SuperC1's Avatar
TECH Enthusiast
iTrader: (4)
 
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 551
Likes: 0
From: MS
Default

Originally Posted by BriancWS6
What do you mean by misthread?

Antiseize is especially good when used on aluminum material that has steel or other materials in them, it keeps them from possibly trashing the part when disassembling them later.

I have found it extremely easier to thread in header bolts and sparkplugs when using antiseize. And it makes removing them the next time sooo much easier.

I am NOT trying to be a dick or argue, just to help out the poster and understand someone elses different outlook on this topic
Do yours the way you like, nobody is saying its wrong to use antisieze, I'm giving my opinion, I don't use it on plugs, if you like it then use it, I don't. I have changed a lot of spark plugs in my time, and have only had one to misthread and it had antisieze on it, but you are entitled to your opinion, nobody will acuse you of being wrong for using it.
Reply
Old Nov 1, 2005 | 11:02 PM
  #13  
Grimes's Avatar
TECH Addict
iTrader: (3)
 
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 2,636
Likes: 2
From: Northern NJ
Default

I like anti-seize on my plugs. For the love of god, so this stops happening to people, screw the plug in by hand first. And i don't mean even with just the socket on. You get much better feel with just the plug in your hand. Also, to get the plug started (or any other threaded item) it helps to turn them counter-clockwise for a couple of turns, so you get some feel of the angle it's at! Good luck!
Reply
Old Nov 1, 2005 | 11:03 PM
  #14  
SuperC1's Avatar
TECH Enthusiast
iTrader: (4)
 
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 551
Likes: 0
From: MS
Default

Originally Posted by jermzz
Took a tap and GENTLY threaded it in and out of the sparkplug hole a couple times, then I used a thread cleaner to clean the threads.... spark plug went in fine after that.
Did you use antisieze on it after you cleaned the hole???
Reply
Old Nov 2, 2005 | 06:17 PM
  #15  
SuperC1's Avatar
TECH Enthusiast
iTrader: (4)
 
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 551
Likes: 0
From: MS
Default

Originally Posted by Grimes
I like anti-seize on my plugs. For the love of god, so this stops happening to people, screw the plug in by hand first. And i don't mean even with just the socket on. You get much better feel with just the plug in your hand. Also, to get the plug started (or any other threaded item) it helps to turn them counter-clockwise for a couple of turns, so you get some feel of the angle it's at! Good luck!
I agree always start them by hand first and then torque them down to the correct setting, just don't over torque them. This is where your nightmare will begin if you do.
Reply




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 11:14 PM.

story-0
Amazing '71 Camaro Restomod Is Modern Muscle Car Under the Skin

Slideshow: This heavily modified 1971 Camaro mixes classic muscle car styling with a fifth-generation Camaro interior and modern LS3 power.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:06:42


VIEW MORE
story-1
6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them

Slideshow: From wobbling harmonic balancers to failed EBCMs, these are the issues that define long-term C5 ownership and what repairs typically involve.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-07 18:44:57


VIEW MORE
story-2
Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph

Slideshow: A modern Camaro transformed into a retro icon, this limited-run "Bandit" build blends nostalgia with brute force in a way few revivals manage.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:57:02


VIEW MORE
story-3
Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked

Slideshow: Cadillac didn't just crash the high-performance luxury vehicle party, it showed up loud, supercharged, and occasionally a little unhinged...

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-16 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-4
Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!

Slideshow: Top ten most powerful Chevy trucks ever made

By | 2026-03-25 09:22:26


VIEW MORE
story-5
Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP

Slideshow: Hennessey has turned the Silverado ZR2 into a 700-hp off-road monster with supercharged V8 power and a limited production run.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-24 18:57:52


VIEW MORE
story-6
Coachbuilt N2A Anteros Is an LS2-Powered C6 Corvette In Italian Clothes

Slideshow: A one-off sports car that looks like a vintage Italian exotic-but hides a C6 Corvette underneath-just sold for the price of a new mid-engine Corvette.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-23 18:53:41


VIEW MORE
story-7
Awesome K5 Blazer Restomod Comes With C7 Corvette Power

Slideshow: A heavily reworked 1972 K5 Blazer swaps its off-road roots for a low-slung street-focused build with modern V8 power.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-09 18:08:45


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Camaros You Should Never Buy

Slideshow: There are thousands of used Camaros on the market but we think you should avoid these 10

By | 2026-02-17 17:09:30


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 LS Engine Myths That Refuse to Die

Slideshows: Which one of these myths do you believe?

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-01-28 18:10:11


VIEW MORE