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View Full Version : Spark plug goes in on the angle


Misky
01-05-2009, 09:29
I don't know if anyone has had experience this problem, but realised that the 3rd spark plug goes in at a angle! the previous owner/s must have just re-threaded it, due to being pikeys :mad: (oil feed pipes are in the way)
Is there anyway to rectify this whilst the head is off?
Also will it cause any damage to the engine I.E - Miss firing etc
jantheeven
01-05-2009, 09:36
Simple mate... the spark plugs go into a small steel cylinder with thread on the outside (for screwing it into the head) and on the inside (for screwing in the spark plug) and you can replace it with a new, original item. Cheap job... no worries... I had it done with all 4 spark plug cylinders :agree:
Misky
01-05-2009, 09:39
That's good news then! I was starting ti think new head time.
Part numbers, prices or links? pretty please. :D
jantheeven
01-05-2009, 09:41
That's good news then! I was starting ti think new head time.
Part numbers, prices or links? pretty please. :D

I have no idea, sorry... I took my 5's head to a general engine overhaul shop and said: REPLACE THESE SPARK PLUG CYLINDERS, MAN!
And he said: okay.......... no problem..............
so I said: WHAT WILL IT COST ME!?!
And he said: 20 odd euros...
So I was happy...... :wasntme:
Chris Hebden
01-05-2009, 09:42
Isnt this helicoils?
jantheeven
01-05-2009, 09:44
Isnt this helicoils?

NOOOOOOOO!!! No helicoils!! You don't want those in your spark plug holes :wasntme:
it's just standard replacement threaded spark plug cylinders...
Chris Hebden
01-05-2009, 09:50
NOOOOOOOO!!! No helicoils!! You don't want those in your spark plug holes :wasntme:
it's just standard replacement threaded spark plug cylinders...

LOL! I wont tell you that the engineering firm near me does this often to spark plug holes then! I might have the wrong end of the stick and it was the thread they were replacing and not helicoiling it :scratch:!
jantheeven
01-05-2009, 09:55
Hmmm I hope it was the thread...! ;)
Misky
01-05-2009, 10:07
This isnt going to be a quick fix is it. :cooter:
Might have to go the where i got it skimmed.
As for engine damage will it of caused any?
Brigsy
01-05-2009, 10:45
If the plug goes in fully & seals it will run fine. One of the plug holes on the van was like this before i pulled the head off, ran mint for many miles.

I paid £30 for a new insert to be fitted when the head was off, Job done. Any decent machine shop should be able to do it.
Misky
01-05-2009, 10:49
Nice one I will get it done whilst the head is off then.
Peace of mind tbh! :agree:
Sparkie
01-05-2009, 12:27
the solid insert is called a timesert i think.
jantheeven
01-05-2009, 13:52
the solid insert is called a timesert i think.

thanks for that one... I had no idea how it was called in English :D
Sparkie
01-05-2009, 14:10
http://www.timesert.com/
Misky
01-05-2009, 14:19
http://www.timesert.com/

Yeh I had a peek on google when you mentioned their name.
US site tho :/
Best take the head to where I got it skimmed tbh be easier/quicker.
Good work though! :agree:
phase i 16 v turbo
01-05-2009, 14:37
I bought a repair kit a few years ago from Hunter's tools in Godalming in Surrey. Did the job no problem.
Deano
01-05-2009, 15:15
I've noticed something strange with one of mine as is looks like the washer from a spark plug is stuck fast to rim of the hole, i just tightened my new one up to it !
Could be that the timesert has just loosened ?
jay28
01-05-2009, 17:07
New poster! (less than 10 posts)

I have a snap on kit that contains a large plug tap and steel inserts for just this job. Used it several times and it works well.
RICHIE
01-05-2009, 20:23
helicoils are fine i have used them several times i have a kit here with the coils very easy to do mate if you want to borrow it drop me a pm.