Cross threaded Spark plug threads
 

I was replacing the spark plugs in a 1989 accord, something I've done
many times on many different vehicles. It's never been a problem until
this instance. When I used the socket to loosen Plug #1, it eventually
loosened but didnt screw out with ease. The other plugs 2-4 came out
with ease and I installed new plugs in them, however everytime I
attempted to install the new plug in the first plug hole I couldnt get
it to screw in. It just wouldnt catch. I then used a light and have
determined that the threads on this first spark plug hole were cross
threaded last time the plugs were changed (by a mechanic) I also
noticed on the block around this spark plug hole its kinda black and
the other 3 spark holes arent black on the metal outside their hole.
Has anyone ever ran into this situation and if so how did you solve the
problem. Someone I work with suggested I get a 14mm thread chaser and I
tried that and it wont catch either... cant repair any of the threads
if it wont screw in. Any help or comments would be appreciated.

Re: Cross threaded Spark plug threads
 

On 1 Jun 2006 13:34:31 -0700, "Cali89Honda" <netguyscott1@yahoo.com>
wrote:

>Has anyone ever ran into this situation

Yes, several decades ago on an old Ford push rod V8.

>and if so how did you solve the
>problem. Someone I work with suggested I get a 14mm thread chaser

The thread chaser worked great for me.

>tried that and it wont catch either... cant repair any of the threads
>if it wont screw in. Any help or comments would be appreciated.

If you can't make it work, you are probably looking at a new or
rebuilt head. I doubt that a Helicoil would work, but even then you
are going to have to remove the head.

Hope this helps

Re: Cross threaded Spark plug threads
 

On 1 Jun 2006 13:34:31 -0700, "Cali89Honda" <netguyscott1@yahoo.com>
wrote:

>Has anyone ever ran into this situation

Yes, several decades ago on an old Ford push rod V8.

>and if so how did you solve the
>problem. Someone I work with suggested I get a 14mm thread chaser

The thread chaser worked great for me.

>tried that and it wont catch either... cant repair any of the threads
>if it wont screw in. Any help or comments would be appreciated.

If you can't make it work, you are probably looking at a new or
rebuilt head. I doubt that a Helicoil would work, but even then you
are going to have to remove the head.

Hope this helps

Re: Cross threaded Spark plug threads
 

On 1 Jun 2006 13:34:31 -0700, "Cali89Honda" <netguyscott1@yahoo.com>
wrote:

>Has anyone ever ran into this situation

Yes, several decades ago on an old Ford push rod V8.

>and if so how did you solve the
>problem. Someone I work with suggested I get a 14mm thread chaser

The thread chaser worked great for me.

>tried that and it wont catch either... cant repair any of the threads
>if it wont screw in. Any help or comments would be appreciated.

If you can't make it work, you are probably looking at a new or
rebuilt head. I doubt that a Helicoil would work, but even then you
are going to have to remove the head.

Hope this helps

Re: Cross threaded Spark plug threads
 

Man that's terrible. That's one reason I always change my own plugs out and
everytime I get a new used car have that fear of the first time I pull them
out and check them. Keep us informed on how you fixed it.
"Elliot Richmond" <xmrichmond@xaustin.xrr.xcom> wrote in message
news:acku72plod6ui9h7h1oagh4oehjf029ch5@4ax.com...
> On 1 Jun 2006 13:34:31 -0700, "Cali89Honda" <netguyscott1@yahoo.com>
> wrote:
>
>>Has anyone ever ran into this situation
>
> Yes, several decades ago on an old Ford push rod V8.
>
>>and if so how did you solve the
>>problem. Someone I work with suggested I get a 14mm thread chaser
>
> The thread chaser worked great for me.
>
>>tried that and it wont catch either... cant repair any of the threads
>>if it wont screw in. Any help or comments would be appreciated.
>
> If you can't make it work, you are probably looking at a new or
> rebuilt head. I doubt that a Helicoil would work, but even then you
> are going to have to remove the head.
>
> Hope this helps
>
>

Re: Cross threaded Spark plug threads
 

Man that's terrible. That's one reason I always change my own plugs out and
everytime I get a new used car have that fear of the first time I pull them
out and check them. Keep us informed on how you fixed it.
"Elliot Richmond" <xmrichmond@xaustin.xrr.xcom> wrote in message
news:acku72plod6ui9h7h1oagh4oehjf029ch5@4ax.com...
> On 1 Jun 2006 13:34:31 -0700, "Cali89Honda" <netguyscott1@yahoo.com>
> wrote:
>
>>Has anyone ever ran into this situation
>
> Yes, several decades ago on an old Ford push rod V8.
>
>>and if so how did you solve the
>>problem. Someone I work with suggested I get a 14mm thread chaser
>
> The thread chaser worked great for me.
>
>>tried that and it wont catch either... cant repair any of the threads
>>if it wont screw in. Any help or comments would be appreciated.
>
> If you can't make it work, you are probably looking at a new or
> rebuilt head. I doubt that a Helicoil would work, but even then you
> are going to have to remove the head.
>
> Hope this helps
>
>

Re: Cross threaded Spark plug threads
 

Man that's terrible. That's one reason I always change my own plugs out and
everytime I get a new used car have that fear of the first time I pull them
out and check them. Keep us informed on how you fixed it.
"Elliot Richmond" <xmrichmond@xaustin.xrr.xcom> wrote in message
news:acku72plod6ui9h7h1oagh4oehjf029ch5@4ax.com...
> On 1 Jun 2006 13:34:31 -0700, "Cali89Honda" <netguyscott1@yahoo.com>
> wrote:
>
>>Has anyone ever ran into this situation
>
> Yes, several decades ago on an old Ford push rod V8.
>
>>and if so how did you solve the
>>problem. Someone I work with suggested I get a 14mm thread chaser
>
> The thread chaser worked great for me.
>
>>tried that and it wont catch either... cant repair any of the threads
>>if it wont screw in. Any help or comments would be appreciated.
>
> If you can't make it work, you are probably looking at a new or
> rebuilt head. I doubt that a Helicoil would work, but even then you
> are going to have to remove the head.
>
> Hope this helps
>
>

Re: Cross threaded Spark plug threads
 

"Cali89Honda" <netguyscott1@yahoo.com> wrote in
news:1149194071.659476.177910@f6g2000cwb.googlegro ups.com:

> Someone I work with suggested I get a 14mm thread chaser and I
> tried that and it wont catch either



How do you mean "won't catch"? You can't get the chaser to bite into the
metal and it keeps spinning in place?


--
TeGGeR®

The Unofficial Honda/Acura FAQ
www.tegger.com/hondafaq/

Re: Cross threaded Spark plug threads
 

"Cali89Honda" <netguyscott1@yahoo.com> wrote in
news:1149194071.659476.177910@f6g2000cwb.googlegro ups.com:

> Someone I work with suggested I get a 14mm thread chaser and I
> tried that and it wont catch either



How do you mean "won't catch"? You can't get the chaser to bite into the
metal and it keeps spinning in place?


--
TeGGeR®

The Unofficial Honda/Acura FAQ
www.tegger.com/hondafaq/

Re: Cross threaded Spark plug threads
 

"Cali89Honda" <netguyscott1@yahoo.com> wrote in
news:1149194071.659476.177910@f6g2000cwb.googlegro ups.com:

> Someone I work with suggested I get a 14mm thread chaser and I
> tried that and it wont catch either



How do you mean "won't catch"? You can't get the chaser to bite into the
metal and it keeps spinning in place?


--
TeGGeR®

The Unofficial Honda/Acura FAQ
www.tegger.com/hondafaq/

Re: Cross threaded Spark plug threads
 

"Cali89Honda" <netguyscott1@yahoo.com> wrote in
news:1149194071.659476.177910@f6g2000cwb.googlegro ups.com:

> I was replacing the spark plugs in a 1989 accord, something I've done
> many times on many different vehicles. It's never been a problem until
> this instance. When I used the socket to loosen Plug #1, it eventually
> loosened but didnt screw out with ease. The other plugs 2-4 came out
> with ease and I installed new plugs in them, however everytime I
> attempted to install the new plug in the first plug hole I couldnt get
> it to screw in. It just wouldnt catch. I then used a light and have
> determined that the threads on this first spark plug hole were cross
> threaded last time the plugs were changed (by a mechanic) I also
> noticed on the block around this spark plug hole its kinda black and
> the other 3 spark holes arent black on the metal outside their hole.
> Has anyone ever ran into this situation and if so how did you solve the
> problem. Someone I work with suggested I get a 14mm thread chaser and I
> tried that and it wont catch either... cant repair any of the threads
> if it wont screw in. Any help or comments would be appreciated.
>

Hi,
There are specialty tools that would make your job a lot easier. I work
at a small engine shop and we regularly face this problem. I bought a nifty
thread chaser from Lawson Products that is adjustable for hole size, you
can collapse it to fit into the hole, insert five threads or so deep,
expand to cut and it cleans the threads on the way out. Works very well. By
starting in the good threads it works a lot better than starting on the
damaged threads. When you use this tool on an assembled engine, hook up a
shop vac or vacuum cleaner on the blower side and pressurize the exhaust,
turn the engine slowly until air blows out the plug hole and chips won't go
into the cylinder. The only drawback I can see is it may be necessary to
remove the valve cover to get it into the plug hole and see what you are
doing. I also suggest that you try it out first on a nut near the same size
to familiarise yourself with the way it works and to develop a good "feel"
for how it works.
Good luck
Scott

Re: Cross threaded Spark plug threads
 

"Cali89Honda" <netguyscott1@yahoo.com> wrote in
news:1149194071.659476.177910@f6g2000cwb.googlegro ups.com:

> I was replacing the spark plugs in a 1989 accord, something I've done
> many times on many different vehicles. It's never been a problem until
> this instance. When I used the socket to loosen Plug #1, it eventually
> loosened but didnt screw out with ease. The other plugs 2-4 came out
> with ease and I installed new plugs in them, however everytime I
> attempted to install the new plug in the first plug hole I couldnt get
> it to screw in. It just wouldnt catch. I then used a light and have
> determined that the threads on this first spark plug hole were cross
> threaded last time the plugs were changed (by a mechanic) I also
> noticed on the block around this spark plug hole its kinda black and
> the other 3 spark holes arent black on the metal outside their hole.
> Has anyone ever ran into this situation and if so how did you solve the
> problem. Someone I work with suggested I get a 14mm thread chaser and I
> tried that and it wont catch either... cant repair any of the threads
> if it wont screw in. Any help or comments would be appreciated.
>

Hi,
There are specialty tools that would make your job a lot easier. I work
at a small engine shop and we regularly face this problem. I bought a nifty
thread chaser from Lawson Products that is adjustable for hole size, you
can collapse it to fit into the hole, insert five threads or so deep,
expand to cut and it cleans the threads on the way out. Works very well. By
starting in the good threads it works a lot better than starting on the
damaged threads. When you use this tool on an assembled engine, hook up a
shop vac or vacuum cleaner on the blower side and pressurize the exhaust,
turn the engine slowly until air blows out the plug hole and chips won't go
into the cylinder. The only drawback I can see is it may be necessary to
remove the valve cover to get it into the plug hole and see what you are
doing. I also suggest that you try it out first on a nut near the same size
to familiarise yourself with the way it works and to develop a good "feel"
for how it works.
Good luck
Scott

Re: Cross threaded Spark plug threads
 

"Cali89Honda" <netguyscott1@yahoo.com> wrote in
news:1149194071.659476.177910@f6g2000cwb.googlegro ups.com:

> I was replacing the spark plugs in a 1989 accord, something I've done
> many times on many different vehicles. It's never been a problem until
> this instance. When I used the socket to loosen Plug #1, it eventually
> loosened but didnt screw out with ease. The other plugs 2-4 came out
> with ease and I installed new plugs in them, however everytime I
> attempted to install the new plug in the first plug hole I couldnt get
> it to screw in. It just wouldnt catch. I then used a light and have
> determined that the threads on this first spark plug hole were cross
> threaded last time the plugs were changed (by a mechanic) I also
> noticed on the block around this spark plug hole its kinda black and
> the other 3 spark holes arent black on the metal outside their hole.
> Has anyone ever ran into this situation and if so how did you solve the
> problem. Someone I work with suggested I get a 14mm thread chaser and I
> tried that and it wont catch either... cant repair any of the threads
> if it wont screw in. Any help or comments would be appreciated.
>

Hi,
There are specialty tools that would make your job a lot easier. I work
at a small engine shop and we regularly face this problem. I bought a nifty
thread chaser from Lawson Products that is adjustable for hole size, you
can collapse it to fit into the hole, insert five threads or so deep,
expand to cut and it cleans the threads on the way out. Works very well. By
starting in the good threads it works a lot better than starting on the
damaged threads. When you use this tool on an assembled engine, hook up a
shop vac or vacuum cleaner on the blower side and pressurize the exhaust,
turn the engine slowly until air blows out the plug hole and chips won't go
into the cylinder. The only drawback I can see is it may be necessary to
remove the valve cover to get it into the plug hole and see what you are
doing. I also suggest that you try it out first on a nut near the same size
to familiarise yourself with the way it works and to develop a good "feel"
for how it works.
Good luck
Scott

Re: Cross threaded Spark plug threads
 

scott wrote:
>
> "Cali89Honda" <netguyscott1@yahoo.com> wrote in
> news:1149194071.659476.177910@f6g2000cwb.googlegro ups.com:
>
> > I was replacing the spark plugs in a 1989 accord, something I've done
> > many times on many different vehicles. It's never been a problem until
> > this instance. When I used the socket to loosen Plug #1, it eventually
> > loosened but didnt screw out with ease. The other plugs 2-4 came out
> > with ease and I installed new plugs in them, however everytime I
> > attempted to install the new plug in the first plug hole I couldnt get
> > it to screw in. It just wouldnt catch. I then used a light and have
> > determined that the threads on this first spark plug hole were cross
> > threaded last time the plugs were changed (by a mechanic) I also
> > noticed on the block around this spark plug hole its kinda black and
> > the other 3 spark holes arent black on the metal outside their hole.
> > Has anyone ever ran into this situation and if so how did you solve the
> > problem. Someone I work with suggested I get a 14mm thread chaser and I
> > tried that and it wont catch either... cant repair any of the threads
> > if it wont screw in. Any help or comments would be appreciated.
> >
>
> Hi,
> There are specialty tools that would make your job a lot easier. I work
> at a small engine shop and we regularly face this problem. I bought a nifty
> thread chaser from Lawson Products that is adjustable for hole size, you
> can collapse it to fit into the hole, insert five threads or so deep,
> expand to cut and it cleans the threads on the way out. Works very well. By
> starting in the good threads it works a lot better than starting on the
> damaged threads. When you use this tool on an assembled engine, hook up a
> shop vac or vacuum cleaner on the blower side and pressurize the exhaust,
> turn the engine slowly until air blows out the plug hole and chips won't go
> into the cylinder. The only drawback I can see is it may be necessary to
> remove the valve cover to get it into the plug hole and see what you are
> doing. I also suggest that you try it out first on a nut near the same size
> to familiarise yourself with the way it works and to develop a good "feel"
> for how it works.
> Good luck
> Scott



This used to be a common malady with VW beetles. Often, the cure was
reaming and tapping the hole to an oversize to accommodate a helicoil.
That would be the option if the threads cannot be cleaned up.

JT

Re: Cross threaded Spark plug threads
 

scott wrote:
>
> "Cali89Honda" <netguyscott1@yahoo.com> wrote in
> news:1149194071.659476.177910@f6g2000cwb.googlegro ups.com:
>
> > I was replacing the spark plugs in a 1989 accord, something I've done
> > many times on many different vehicles. It's never been a problem until
> > this instance. When I used the socket to loosen Plug #1, it eventually
> > loosened but didnt screw out with ease. The other plugs 2-4 came out
> > with ease and I installed new plugs in them, however everytime I
> > attempted to install the new plug in the first plug hole I couldnt get
> > it to screw in. It just wouldnt catch. I then used a light and have
> > determined that the threads on this first spark plug hole were cross
> > threaded last time the plugs were changed (by a mechanic) I also
> > noticed on the block around this spark plug hole its kinda black and
> > the other 3 spark holes arent black on the metal outside their hole.
> > Has anyone ever ran into this situation and if so how did you solve the
> > problem. Someone I work with suggested I get a 14mm thread chaser and I
> > tried that and it wont catch either... cant repair any of the threads
> > if it wont screw in. Any help or comments would be appreciated.
> >
>
> Hi,
> There are specialty tools that would make your job a lot easier. I work
> at a small engine shop and we regularly face this problem. I bought a nifty
> thread chaser from Lawson Products that is adjustable for hole size, you
> can collapse it to fit into the hole, insert five threads or so deep,
> expand to cut and it cleans the threads on the way out. Works very well. By
> starting in the good threads it works a lot better than starting on the
> damaged threads. When you use this tool on an assembled engine, hook up a
> shop vac or vacuum cleaner on the blower side and pressurize the exhaust,
> turn the engine slowly until air blows out the plug hole and chips won't go
> into the cylinder. The only drawback I can see is it may be necessary to
> remove the valve cover to get it into the plug hole and see what you are
> doing. I also suggest that you try it out first on a nut near the same size
> to familiarise yourself with the way it works and to develop a good "feel"
> for how it works.
> Good luck
> Scott



This used to be a common malady with VW beetles. Often, the cure was
reaming and tapping the hole to an oversize to accommodate a helicoil.
That would be the option if the threads cannot be cleaned up.

JT