[s-cars] Spark plug thread refurbishing

[Michael Bess]

I too have experienced the dreaded occurrence.  I required a threaded
insert, which was able to be performed without removing the head.  The Audi
specialist who did the job did not use the Timesert because I was told that
its geometry prevented proper plug seating against the head.  Since the
insert installation, new plug, new coil, all was fine for at least 3000
miles (car ran strong all the time, no indications of plug related issues).
I have the MTM/Hoppen 1+ chip modification.  Then it was time for the normal
spark plug change (done at the really convenient dealer since I figured what
could he possibly do wrong to foul up that job and the 90,000 mile service).
All had gone well until yesterday.  As a precaution I had begun the 3000
mile spark plug torque check. Checking it for the first time yesterday guess
what I find, the toque on the same bad cylinder (#2) plug is only 15 ft-lb.
I crank it about a 1/4 turn expecting the torque to rise, but no change.
Tried another 1/4 turn and still no change.  Now I'm in a panic.  Did the
dealer F*** something up (like back the insert all the way out and then do a
Mickey mouse reinstall?).  So I called the Audi dude who did the insert job
and reported the problem.  I'll be bringing it in for him to check tomorrow,
hoping for the least amount of problem (maybe the insert did simply back out
and it can be simply reinstalled).  Will keep the list apprised of things.  

If the insert itself has stripped in the head, what is the fix?  New head??
Gaaah, I hate to think of the worst that can be. 

Michael Bess
Project Manager-Die Casting
International Zinc Association


-----Original Message-----
From: s-car-list-bounces at audifans.com
[mailto:s-car-list-bounces at audifans.com] On Behalf Of Paul Souza
Sent: Sunday, January 25, 2004 1:31 PM
To: Konstantine Bogach; s-car-list at audifans.com
Subject: Re: [s-cars] Spark plug thread refurbishing

Konstantin,

I can relate.  I just went through this repair on my UrS6.   Not a cheap
repair.  The onset of symptoms was pretty rapid, but I didn't help the issue
any because after the initial symptom showed itself, it rapidly went
away....and then I proceeded to drive 500+ miles.   So my threads were
pretty toasted.  I had the head pulled and threads repaired (#5 cylinder).

Paul
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Konstantine Bogach" <kbogach at comcast.net>
To: <s-car-list at audifans.com>
Sent: Sunday, January 25, 2004 9:52 AM
Subject: [s-cars] Spark plug thread refurbishing


> I can't express my frustration due to the havoc made by loose spark plug
> in my UrS4.   Just because I did not know about this species congenital
> defect!  I don't have time to read all posts but it could save me as
> there were some discussions on the topic quite recently.  :-(
> So,  connector lead is shuttered,  spark plug's thread is FUBAR as
> thread in the head,  coil's plastic body is cracked.  Right now I am
> looking at TimeSert repair kit for deep hole (upto 6'').  Does anybody
> went through this procedureJ?  Any better product than TimeSert?
> I don't have necessary tools to measure all geometry.  Does anyone has
> dimensions for seat diameter and thread length?
>
> Does every one has plugs loosening?   Any remedy?
>
> Thank you.
>
> Konstantin
> P.S.  Please,  when new person join the list after recent car purchase,
> welcome him by raising awareness of loose spark plugs (anything else
> treacherous like this one?) :-)
>
> _______________________________________________
> S-CAR-List mailing list
> S-CAR-List at audifans.com
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