Trouble threading spark plug

82SC · 09-22-2002, 11:48 AM

well I pulled all my rockers and pulled the 1-2-3 side cam...so I take out the spark plugs...

3 and 2 come out okay...but #1 I had trouble with

as I was taking it out...on the same part of every rotation it got stiff...so I turn...hit a spot that was rough and 360 degrees later I hit that rough patch...

So I assume it was cross threaded the last time someone put in a plug...so I gingerly took it out and when I tried putting the new one in...same deal...I've used my hand and have been very careful to get the threads started right...I don't want to do anymore damage to the heads...

what do I do now??? should I just thread it on as carefully as possible or am I FUBARed...

MJ

also by shining a light into the hole I noticed alot of black crud on the piston top...I will post pis later...is this oil getting into the CC? also plug 2 and 1 had black crud on the electrode too...

any ideas??? time of ra rebuild?

Tyson Schmidt · 12:10 PM

I've got a spark plug thread chaser that you can borrow. Come by the shop and get it.

As for the crud on the plugs and piston tops, sounds like rebuild time if it is oily. If it is just sooty, then it's just a mixture or spark issue. But, most likely it's worn valve guides, worn piston rings, or bad valve stem seals.

82SC · 12:15 PM

great....

I am coming by the shop on monday or tuesday to drop off a smashed oil line...I'll grab the tool from you then...

I'll bring the plugs in too...I must admit the valves and plugs have not been done in about 20K...I found a bad wire...and the mixture has been off for a while...I am putting all new wires...964 cams...new rotor/dizzy cap...the works...

The plugs look sooty...like a grimey crud...not too wet...

Once I get it all together I'll bring it by so you guys can get the mixture right so I can pass the smog test...and maybe we can figure out what it really is...the motor runs really strong and I hope I am tackling most of the loil eaks I've been havng this time around too...we'll see

thanks

MJ

Tyson Schmidt · 09-22-2002, 12:25 PM

That is encouraging. If it is sooty, and you found a bad plug wire or two, then the engine is probably fine and simply needs a tuneup.

Hope that relieves some stress. See you Monday!

Wayne 962 · Wayne 962's Garage

Sounds like there is crap (oops, not allowed to use that word), err junk in there like dirt or carbon. What was on the plug? Any chaffing of the threads? Despite common wisdom from Porsche, I would use some anti-seize in this case, and thread/remove the plug to see if you can clean it out in there...

-Wayne