Strange spark plug problem. I can't get #3 threaded in properly.
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That's what I posted. They are perfectly fine. That's why I don't understand the problem. I'll clean the threads on the old plug and reexamine them.
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THIS!!
On a serious note, I was told to use anti-seize on spark plugs.
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I have had similar problems in the past with posting an Amazon link, however I find that, once pasted here, if I delete the initial "https" then the rest of the link comes up just fine.
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I did that last time, it's been about 5 years or so since the plugs in it were installed. I may try cleaning the threaded hole with a "long Q-Tip" then anti seize, and see if I can get a better look from behind the tire. If it still has resistance, I guess I will use the reverse thread chaser (so as to not put shrapnel in the cylinder).
This just adds another layer of difficulty to the job.
I wonder if it could be a chunk of carbon deposit that dropped off the tip of the spark plug when pulling it out.
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That's possible. They are pretty ugly, some worse than others.
I'll post results.
Thanks
I’ve got one that gives me fits too.. Frustrates the living crap out of me. Just can’t a tool in there and my hands don’t fit well either!
Ive had some luck trying to find best way to get my hand in there and rolling the plug backwards a few turns. Seems to help seat it and then try to tighten By hand. Most of the time I get it going easier that way. Sometimes, it still takes a few tries! Maybe the plug just has crappy threads??
Good luck! Persistence don’t let it out stubborn you!
Some manufacturers don't like any lube.....some mechanics swear by it.....it's a damned if you do, damned if you don't deal.
I take advice on such matters from my mechanic buddy.....he's been doing it long enough to know right from wrong.
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I did that just about every time. I feel for the "click" which is the threads dropping 1 thread width when the ends of the threads pass each other.
Thanks.
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If you're working on aluminum heads, hell yes use anti-seize on the plug threads!
It's not hard to booger up some threads in these later-model aluminum heads...
Having done this for years now on the various later-model hemi's around here, I just kept on
doing it with the old stuff like Fred's 440 also.
It does seem to help, but honestly I don't recall ever having a problem with plugs in old
cast iron heads much at all - short of some really old Ford heads in the past, that is.
I like feeling what the plugs feel like as they come out/go in by fingertips anyways -
reserving all such extraction out and starting threads in for my bare hands - and only once
I feel like things are going well will I use any tools (on tightening, only once I can't get
them any tighter with fingers).
It's not hard to booger up some threads in these later-model aluminum heads...
Having done this for years now on the various later-model hemi's around here, I just kept on
doing it with the old stuff like Fred's 440 also.
It does seem to help, but honestly I don't recall ever having a problem with plugs in old
cast iron heads much at all - short of some really old Ford heads in the past, that is.
I like feeling what the plugs feel like as they come out/go in by fingertips anyways -
reserving all such extraction out and starting threads in for my bare hands - and only once
I feel like things are going well will I use any tools (on tightening, only once I can't get
them any tighter with fingers).
slepr1
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When this **** happens to me I'd try installing the old plug to see if it'll go back in.
I for one wouldn't be putting in any Autolite plugs.
We've had several that wouldn't fire, right out the box.
Maybe just disconnect the hoses that are in the way?
We've had several that wouldn't fire, right out the box.
Maybe just disconnect the hoses that are in the way?
Damn Autolites. I changed them out on my 318 and thought I was going to bring the threads out with the plugs.
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Try putting wheel bearing grease on your thread chaser. It will catch most of the chips and bury them in the grease in the flukes between threaded portion.
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YES! I believe that I'm going to have to use the "reverse thread chaser" that was linked to, it has a center fluted "spreader" that appears to allow the threaded end to be inserted into the spark plug hole, then as the fluted part is pulled into the 4 way split threaded area, it expands the diameter to fit into the threads. Rotate ccw as though you're removing it, and it "cleans" the threads on the way out, WITH the several times recommended grease to grab the shrapnel.
I've had no problem with Autolites, a significant number of Mopar people use them, my local engine builder recommended them, as did a couple of other "gurus". I have a 572 in the process of getting all the components together to have built, and the builder in Florida has a lot of them, and more are paid for, still more to buy, but the point is I hope to retire the 440 within the next year. The aluminum block and heads in the 572 will eventually get either platinum or iridium spark plugs, but I may start with Autolites until I have my A/F ratio and heat range figured out. I will very likely use spark plug specific anti seize on them.
Maybe a bonus of the new engine and TrickFlow 270's will be the angled spark plugs? May make it easier, I'd think so.
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