Cross Thread Spark Plug - Arrrgghhhhhhh

[Tonto]

Not happy: bike was missing (again ) so needed to take plug 3 out, but on putting the plug back in, I cant get past the first 3 or 4 turns without it nipping up, and feeling like its cross-threading itself ! Bugger !!
No fault in the thread of plug, but looks like there may be a small imperfection in the threads in the head !

Never had this happen in nearly 40 years of riding, so a bit unsure of best approach: would you
a) phone a friend
b) tighten and hope for the best or
c) re-thread ?? if so is that a head off job ??
My mate has the correct re tapping stuff for 14mm plugs - but I'm not sure of preceautions I could take to stop debris dropping into the engine ??
Any insight appreciated.
Cheers Tim

[weaver]

Run a tap through it and then use the wife's vacuum to hoover out any bits,bit of grease on the tap won't hurt

[z1bman]

there is no need to remove the head spray brake cleaner through the plug hole & blow dry with an air line i use an adaptor from an air bed pump which fits nicely on the hoover pipe & is a snug fit in the plug hole

[mick znone]

i have my own vacume

[welshphill]

some string coated in grease or oil and fed in thru the plug hole, enough to cover the top of the piston n fill the barrel half way (if the piston is bdc) will catch/stick any metal filings and the string is easy to get back out with a wire coat hanger with a hook on the end...

[zed1015]

It's a bit risky running a tap down as it might pick up on the wonky thread first and cut the rest wrong.
You need one of these adjustable reverse thread chasers.
It will follow the good threads which are near the combustion chamber and only square up the dodgy ones on it's way out.
A bargain at only 20 odd quid.
http://www.bodyshop-tools-supplies.co.u ... wwodi1QAOA

[PAULJAC47]

Then get an old plug and cut some slots length wise down plugs threads,put a lead on the threads,carefully screw in well lubed and turn back half turn every full turn in...

[sid123]

dont use a tap - use one of these a tap will remove metal - whereas thread cleaner is less aggressive

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Sealey-MS003- ... 5d52fc0e8e
Read details on advert explains itself

Sid

[PAULJAC47]

Thats a good tool Elvin would use that meself..

[zed1015]

Does nobody ever read previous replies before posting the same thing ???

[Pigford]

Does nobody ever read previous replies before posting the same thing ???

Nope

[FER]

Check out the posting times , all getting typed at the same time so chill out .
fer

[Jay1969]

dont use a tap - use one of these a tap will remove metal - whereas thread cleaner is less aggressive

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Sealey-MS003- ... 5d52fc0e8e
Read details on advert explains itself

Sid

Exactly the same tool zed1015 suggested buying from Carsmetic = £5.53 less than the one on ebay

~Jay.

[Tonto]

Thanks guys - just purchased the aforementioned reverse thread cutter / cleaner.
Cheers Tim