Re: Plug change spells disaster

["Fred Munro" <munrof@isys.ca>]

Hi Mark;

    There was quite a discussion on this topic several weeks ago. From what
I recall, a helicoil insert was the recommended fix. I think the lister who
started the thread had almost 1,000,000 miles on his Audi coupe and he
pulled the head and put inserts in all plug holes. You may be able to find
the thread in the archives.
    If you find an experienced mechanic familiar with helicoils, he may be
able to install the insert without pulling the head.
    I had a similar problem with my snow machine many years ago. It blew a
plug right out of the head in the middle of a lake 100 miles from anywhere.
Cleaned the threads right out of the head. I fixed it by wrapping duct tape
around the plug threads and screwing the plug back in. Amazingly, it held
and got me back home. I don't recommend this for a permanent fix, though :o)

HTH

Fred Munro
'91 200q  280k km


----- Original Message -----
From: Mark Hilbush <lists@markh.clark.net>
To: Mail List - Quattro <quattro@audifans.com>
Sent: Sunday, August 22, 1999 4:15 PM
Subject: Plug change spells disaster


> Well, I thought it would be an easy morning.  I had a number of
maintenance
> items to take care of on my 190,000 mile 87 4kq.
>
> First, I replaced the cat and oxygen sensor, which went smoother than I
> expected.  Last time I did exhaust work, some rust snuck in the vent holes
> of my goggles and I spent a few hours in the ER getting it removed from my
> eyes.  Not a fun experience.  This time the exhaust work went smooth.  As
it
> turns out, too smooth.
>
> Next was the tune up.  New plugs, wires, distributer cap, rotor, etc.  As
I
> removed the last plug from cylinder #5, I was a bit surprised at how
easily
> the old plug turned.  Needless to say, when I installed the new plug in
> cylinder #5, it was clear why the old one came out so easily.  The threads
> in the head were stripped!  Stripped to the point where now I can pull the
> plug out of the head without even turning it.  How the car was able to run
> this long I'll never know.
>
> Since I've never had to deal with this situation, I'm contemplating my
> options.  I hate to get rid of the car.  It runs (well ran) great, and,
> since I drive it back and forth between Baltimore and north New Jersey for
> work, it saves me from putting an extra 15,000+ miles on my A4 every year.
> Most of the suspension is new, tires are new, and so is the exhaust.
>
> I suppose I could find a used head, but that's a little over my head (no
pun
> intended) for DIY.  But I also wonder if a shop can repair the damaged
one.
> Any BTDTs would be appreciated.
>
> --
> Mark Hilbush
> 87 4kq
> 98 A4qms
> mailto:markh@clark.net (personal)
>
>
>