Spark Plug dilemma

[carreradpt]

Spark Plug dilemma

The threads in #6 of my 85 3.2 are gone. The motor has been in great shape with 160K, uses a quart about every 1200-1500 miles and there is no smoke on startup or decel. I think it is too early for any valve work etc, but what do I know.

Can this be heli-coiled in the car or does it need to be dropped? Any advice for me to take care of this the right and/or best way?

Thanks, Dan

[Steve@Rennsport]

Dan,

There are two ways to fix this:

1) The easy way with a tap & helicoil (coated in grease to catch most of the shavings).

2) The right way by removing that head and doing this in a milling machine so the new threads are straight and the helicoil is installed properly. Plus, you'll not get any aluminum bits into the engine.

If the engine's leakdown numbers are all good, its the right time to do a valve job and drive it for another 100K with good maintenance,....

[larrym]

cheap way - get a VW plug thread tool & insert kit - find em on ebay or at you local VW shop - common problem in bug motors

KD-2123 thread chaser tool - EMPI inserts 00-4013-0 - or - bugformance insert111-101-451a - (sturdier)

use bar soap to catch the filings - see any high school autoshop text about that

back on the road in an hour, & you can then sell the car running great