I went to check my plugs today to make sure there good and running properly. I removed the one side without a problem and when I started the other side when I removed the one and tried to put it back in, it wouldn't go in easy. Everytime i went to screw it back in it wouldn't catch right. I then pulled it back out and noticed that beginning part on the plugs was stripped. I then got a older plug and tried to install it and the samething happened. Then one more try and again the samething happened. Am I screwed, or is there something I can do to fix this?

 

You can get a thread cleaner, and that may help. Have you checked to see how the threads look?


Whatever work you do, you need to make sure you have a magnetic retriever to get any shavings that drop in the cylinder.

 

The hole is towards the rear of the engine, so it's hard to see it. Where can I get thread cleaner? Is it like a liquid spray? What's the probability the treads in the hole are stripped?

 

Thread cleaners (or combs as I've also heard them be called) should be available through SEARS, but don't quote me on that. Theyre shaped like a 4 sided pencil with grooves (different on each side). You may just have a few burs, or the beginning threads may have broken off and are hanging there. If thats the issue, the thread cleaner/brush will help out. If not, it may become a bigger job for the day off. Still salvageable though.

Either way, the thread cleaner/brush is a great tool to have and I think they go for around 10 bucks.

 

Once you get the spark plug thread chaser, fill the grooves in the outside of the chaser with grease. Not only will it lubricate the chaser, but it will capture any filings that come off.

 

Very nice! I'm gonna do that at work!

 

Okay, i'm going to try that out tomorrow. Thanks for the help