Stripped Spark plug Fitting (Long)

[Mholme3 at aol.com]

Well after getting ready to clean up the 4kq and make it nice again(new summer tires, exhaust, fixing the A/C), I was reminded that just when you think you've fixed everything on these cars twice...

Driving to work this morning, all was fine for the first 5 miles, then I heard a loud "POOF" from the engine area and loud exhaust noise.  Thought it was my exhaust finally giving up so thought nothin of it as a new one should be here tomorrow. 3 miles later after getting to work, take a look under the car, exhaust is in tact.  Pop the hood and see the number 2 plug wire and plug hanging over the valve cover.  This can't be good.  I tried to re-seat it but it was good and stripped.  Sent an employee out to get a Helicoil spark plug kit.  Got it installed after work with some help from the maintenance crew and off I went.  Car sputtered for the first few miles but seemed to clear up, got worse as I neared home.  Pulled into drive and it basically died.  Went to restart and it ran VERY rough for about 10 sec and died.  Haven't been able to restart since.  All I've done so far is verify timing, spark and fuel. All are fine.  I did notice when checking for spark very strong fuel smell after pulling the plugs, don't know if that is normal.  Am I experiencing results of running on 4cyl with 5 injectors firing?  I'm at a loss.  Thanks for any info.

Marques
87 4kq