Timesert question/spark plug...

crash2 · Apr 11, 2013

SO I am working on Kevin's 4 runner(22re) and was getting close to having it run pretty good when I found #4 plug loose and would not tighten. It had a thread insert/repair done.

I can't tell what type it was but looks like the insert was tapped to 5/8 18 pitch.

So I know they make over sized timeserts but I have not dealt with them in a very long time.

http://www.timesert.com/html/bigsert_sparkplug.html

Anybody have experience with them? I would like to save the head and save Kevin $$ on doing a head..

Binder · Apr 11, 2013

I don't know the answer to your question but just a heads up.... All spark plugs are metric thread. If someone tapped it to 5/8" there's a big problem.

crash2 · Apr 11, 2013

Binder said:
I don't know the answer to your question but just a heads up.... All spark plugs are metric thread. If someone tapped it to 5/8" there's a big problem.

It doesn't matter what the insert is tapped for because the insert is still metric on the inside threads.

Binder · Apr 11, 2013

crash said:
It doesn't matter what the insert is tapped for because the insert is still metric on the inside threads.

Oh I see. I thought the plug was screwed into the 5/8" threads.

crash2 · Apr 11, 2013

The plug threads are what 14mmx1.25mm?

FireballXL5 · Apr 11, 2013

I've dealt with Heli-coil repair kits... But never on the spark plugs...

What is the question? Do you think the insert is not loctited properly and is leaking around its threads... Of are you thinking that the spark plug is leaking around its threads? Can you wiggle/remove the insert?

If it were me... And the plug would not tighten... I would try to remove the liner, clean it up, and re-install with red loctite... Worse thing you could do here is spin the sleeve all the way into the cylinder... Causing permanent damage... If the sleeve is stripped on the inside... Then replace it...

crash2 · Apr 11, 2013

FireballXL5 said:
I've dealt with Heli-coil repair kits... But never on the spark plugs...

What is the question? Do you think the insert is not loctited properly and is leaking around its threads... Of are you thinking that the spark plug is leaking around its threads? Can you wiggle/remove the insert?

If it were me... And the plug would not tighten... I would try to remove the liner, clean it up, and re-install with red loctite... Worse thing you could do here is spin the sleeve all the way into the cylinder... Causing permanent damage... If the sleeve is stripped on the inside... Then replace it...

The problem is the insert won't tighten and plug inserts have a ridge on the top of the insert so it can only go till it hits the head surface. If you say one phil it would make perfect sense.

NotMatt · Apr 11, 2013

So the 5/8 threads for the timesert are stripped out enough that the timesert itself won't tighten down? Sounds to me like it's time to cut losses and pull the head off. I suppose you could try going one more size up if you can get one with the right internal threads for the plug, just seems like a lot of work for a "maybe it will work, who knows for how long" type deal....

crash2 · Apr 11, 2013

NotMatt said:
So the 5/8 threads for the timesert are stripped out enough that the timesert itself won't tighten down? Sounds to me like it's time to cut losses and pull the head off. I suppose you could try going one more size up if you can get one with the right internal threads for the plug, just seems like a lot of work for a "maybe it will work, who knows for how long" type deal....

The link I posted in my first post is for timeserts that are made for oversized/failed inserts but I am having a hard time figuring out how big they actually are.

Binder · Apr 11, 2013

Couldn't you just heli coil the insert? You would have to be very carefull that none of it were protruding into the cylinder....

War-Jeeper · Apr 11, 2013

Wonder if you could somehow use the thread insert setting tool to pull the old insert and replace it with a new one and when you do use...crap i cant remember what the stuff is called but its stuff you use on bearings to make sure they wont spin i think its made by permatex but im having a brain fart of what its called. make it so it wont spin roundy round like it is now

i could be talking out my ass though im no expert

WHITE TRASH1 · Apr 11, 2013

My dd has a stripped hole that had a failed helicoil too. I picked up another insert, cleaned the threads and insert with brake cleaner, coatedthe insert with GREEN loctite. Once snugged down I staked it in place. Been running the **** out of it for over a year with no problems at all.

ain'tstuckjustresting · Apr 12, 2013

Green loctite x2. If the insert is still able to engage the threads I'd goop it up and run it. Hell it's a trailer queen 100% wheeler, not the same as taking a chance on your commuter.

CHOP SHOP · Apr 12, 2013

My tractor has a glued in plug. Liquid repair. :redneck:

I asked the ol lady when the last time I changed her 4runners spark plugs were, "you never have" she said. She has put 122,000 miles on it since she got it.

So I figure a fuel injuected toyota is good for at least 100K on a set of plugs.

Since 22RE heads dont last 100K, just JB weld that bitch in there and run the piss out of it.

GHlue the plug, set the valves. If it dont run after that, yer ****ed! :haha:

Binder · Apr 12, 2013

Green Loctite probably isn't going to work well here. The heat would break down the glue.

zukkev · Apr 12, 2013

Green works some amazing wonders, but I agree, I don't think it'd hold to the pounding of the running cylinder compression, especially if the cert threads are loose to begin with. I think if you called the oversized cert guys you posted a link to earlier, they could get you what you need mike...:awesomework:

WHITE TRASH1 · Apr 12, 2013

This is the stuff I used. Not your normal thread lock but sleeve & bearing retainer.

http://www.etrailer.com/Tools/Loctite/LT37484.html

No keyboard expert here just plain ol experience. The last plug blew out of the head the insert is staked to the head to keep from spinning and the glue filled the voids.

War-Jeeper · Apr 12, 2013

WHITE TRASH said:
This is the stuff I used. Not your normal thread lock but sleeve & bearing retainer.

http://www.etrailer.com/Tools/Loctite/LT37484.html

No keyboard expert here just plain ol experience. The last plug blew out of the head the insert is staked to the head to keep from spinning and the glue filled the voids.

That's the stuff i couldnt remember what it was called!!! LMAO

nwwheeler08 · Apr 14, 2013

could always jb welb or quick steel the plug in there since its shot anyway lol

Avanteone · Apr 14, 2013

Not sure if I'm following you COMPLETELY. Helicoil makes specific inserts for spark plugs, not their normal heli coil repair kits. We've used these inserts many times with good luck.