Time Sert for stripped plug

addwestern · 06-01-2006, 07:08 AM

Anyone know what size is the best for doing this job? Came across a great running 1.8 liter engine yesterday that had the #1 hole stripped.

It was out of the car, had contemplated dropping a replacement head on it, but in reading past posts, I've heard favorable things about the Time Serts.

I doubt I'll keep the engine, but want to give a good complete runner to the next owner.

nine_one_4 · 06-01-2006, 10:07 AM

I think you'll get more responses on the Type 4rum or Raby's forum .

Dave at Pelican Parts · Dave at Pelican Parts's Garage

At least one of my spark plug holes has been TimeSert'ed. It was done when the heads were off at the machine shop, though. I think it might be quite a challenge to install one (cleanly, with no chips or shavings going into the cylinder!) without pulling the head.

But I didn't do the work myself, so it might be more straightforward than I think it is.

The TimeSert works fine. It feels a little weird when installing the plug (it gets tighter and losoer as you turn) but that's really the only difference.

--DD

John Rogers · 06-02-2006, 07:37 AM

My racing buddy Ted with his 356 last year ended up installing time serts on all 4 spark plugs at a vintage race one weekend. He blew a plug each session until the last and they all stayed in finally. It can be done with the engine in the car, just take your time, use some thick grease to hold any chips and maybe pray a little.

addwestern · 06-02-2006, 07:55 AM

Thanks for all of your help- the engine is not in the car- it's an extra. Got it posted in the For Sale area- figured I'd try just selling it cheaper first- more time and money to be put in my own car...

If not, guess I'll have to break down and fix it...

Jason Porter · 06-04-2006, 07:53 PM

I'm really a fan of having the machine shop weld it up and re-tap it to stock when the heads are already off, and yes, you can easily install the timeserts with the engine in the car. However, that being said, it's also much easier to go in crooked with the engine in the car, as your laying on the rear trunk lid wishing you had better access. Just watch what you're doing, and use thick grease as mentioned earlier. Go a half turn or a turn, back out, clean, regrease, and repeat...

norustscott · norustscott's Garage

i did it...grease, go slow. if you do it right it should take you almost an hour or more . I say an hour because you should remove the reamer/tap tool about every turn to clean and re grease. Then you will check, double check and still worry about lining the reamer/tap up correctly each time. you will also get tired...weird angle and you must keep pressure on the tool the entire time....push, 1/4-1/2 turn, reverse 1/4 and repeat...always keep pushing it you are turning to cut new threads.

Don't hurry, it is actually a great solution. I think 911 actually have inserts stock...?

scott