Cross threaded spark plug

Back to the OP question, luckily your head is cast iron so there is a chance you just messed up the threads on the spark plug and just left some junk in the head threads. Let us know if your friend has success.

I like the idea of running an old spark plug in there first to clean out the threads. An actual tap could get ugly real quick.

If you're lucky...
www.amazon.com/Lisle-20020-Limited-Access-Spark/dp/B008MFR2IS/ref=sr_1_38?




If you're not so lucky:
www.amazon.com/Powerbuilt-640811-Back-Tap-Thread-Repair/dp/B0014FGVVW/ref=sr_1_9?





If you're really fouked:
www.amazon.com/Heli-Coil-Helicoil-5334-14-Thread-Repair/dp/B0002SRF4O/ref=sr_1_12?

I use a plug boot from my Mom's 1984 Plymouth Reliant. The finger end is like a 4 leaf clover shape and it's about 4" long.

That was the only good part that car had.

HeavyAsAChevy said:

Is the starter that bad? I’ve done mine twice because the first one I bought went bad. It took me 20min laying in the driveway without even jacking the truck up at all.

Click to expand...

They are only bad in comparison to an old type Ford starter.
3 bolts no shims and much lighter.
And no solenoid on the starter.

Schurkey said:

I want to feel the plug screw in directly with my fingers if possible. If not possible, I just use the plug socket and whatever extensions, U-Joints, etc. are needed.

Click to expand...

That's what I do as well.

RichLo said:

Back to the OP question, luckily your head is cast iron so there is a chance you just messed up the threads on the spark plug and just left some junk in the head threads. Let us know if your friend has success.

I like the idea of running an old spark plug in there first to clean out the threads. An actual tap could get ugly real quick.

Click to expand...

Yep, never try to use a tap unless you are good at it.
A thread chaser is different than a thread tap.
A chaser is undersize for that particular thread. It is designed to clean the crud out and follow the threads.
A tap is designed to cut new threads and they come in a bunch of different types.
Taps are oversized for the thread.
A good tap will have an "H" number on it.
usually you will see something like GH1 through GH7 marked on it.
A GH1 is about .0005 over and a GH7 is about .003 over.
You inspect them with one of these,
Called a "Go/No Go guage.
The "Go" should thread in and the "No Go" should not thread in.
This one is de-certified. I have a bucket of these and decertified taps and dies.
And, if anyone ever offers you a job inspecting threaded holes, pass on it.
It is mind numbingly boring

HeavyAsAChevy said:

Is the starter that bad? I’ve done mine twice because the first one I bought went bad. It took me 20min laying in the driveway without even jacking the truck up at all.

Click to expand...

Do one on a 6.5. Have to take the tire off to get to the bracket that supports the rear of it. Then manhandle the 20 pound thing out and then back in.

thinger2 said:

They are only bad in comparison to an old type Ford starter.
3 bolts no shims and much lighter.

Click to expand...

Except for that 3rd bolt which almost nobody put back in. I know my 66 T-Bird didn't get one put back in

Talking about Pontiac plug changes, I remember my dad talking about the 70 Pontiac LeMans 350 we used to have. If we had nice weather at Christmas ( like this year) he would be in the driveway or front yard giving that car its annual tuneup. The #8 plug, last one on the passenger side, you had to jack it up and go in through the wheel well, not sure if he took the wheel/tire off. I was a kid then and wasn't helping on these jobs as much.

PlayingWithTBI said:

Except for that 3rd bolt which almost nobody put back in. I know my 66 T-Bird didn't get one put back in

Click to expand...

When I was young i had a 70 f250 that was my first truck and was bought new by my grandfather. I had to put a starter in it and put that 3 bolt back in. I cussed every 1/8 of a turn of the wrench putting it in. At that time I had very minimal tools. I would have killed for a ratcheting wrench for that bolt. If I remember right it took longer to remove that bolt and put it back in then the rest of the job.