[s-cars] Spark plug thread refurbishing

[Konstantine Bogach]

Michael,

I think timeset will work in this application as far as seat goes. I 
don't trust helicoil even though successfull case were reported. 
Timesert looks as more "solid" approach to me. I think you can go to 
thicker was insert if the first one failed.
Keep us posted.

Thank you.
Konstantin.
P.S. Oh man, I feel you pain!

Michael Bess wrote:

>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?) :-)
>>
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>>
>
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>  
>