Timesert install success

[auditude at neta.com]

Hey List,

This post is about my fixing the stripped spark plug threads that I 
discovered in my '88 5kcstq.  I meant to post this earlier, but had 
connection problems.

Thanks for the reponses regarding a tap extension.  Later last night 
I was messing with the kit and realized I didn't need a tap 
extension at all.  I didn't even need a tap wrench.  There is a part in 
the kit that is a metal tube that turns into a T-handle and is used to 
turn the seat cutter, while the tap is in the spark plug hole.  I didn't 
realize that hollow tool was also supposed to be used to turn the 
tap.  Once I re-read the instructions, I saw that sure enough it said 
to use that tool.  Like I thought, I was overlooking something 
simple.

That said I have to say that I'm very happy with the quality of this 
kit.  The repair went very easy once I finally got down to the 
business of actually doing it.  I used grease on the tap and cutter 
to catch the shavings.  I did manage to get some shavings in the 
cylinder, I could see them with a flashlight.  I rigged up my home 
vacuum and the thick cardboard tube from a dry cleaner wire 
hanger, and vacuumed out the cylinder as best I could.  I think I got 
"virtually" all of them.  I am most in fear of the turbo getting a 
shaving caught in the blades, and getting out of balance and 
eventually going out on me.

After I buttoned it all up, I started the car and let it idle until it got 
warm.  I shut it down and started it a couple times for no particular 
reason.  So far, so good, so I took it for a drive.  Everything seems 
pretty normal as far as I can remember.  It's been almost a month 
now that I haven't driven the car.  Driving in midday AZ summer 
heat has reminded me that the a/c isn't blowing cold anymore.

I got the same boost I got before, 12psi as indicated on the 
Autometer gauge.

Thanks for all the help from the research of thread repair to finish.  
This car is like a training course for mechanics skills.  The plug 
thread stripping was a first time for me, as was flat spotting the 
tires by slamming on the brakes on the same car.  I guess they're 
not all type 44 specific gotchas.  I wonder if there's a website for 
stuff like that.  Stuff like not having heavy keychain stuff hanging 
out of your ignition, you know?  No need for me to go through and 
learn them all first hand!

Best regards,

Ken