[Shop-talk] Spark plug inserts

[Jack Brooks]

Brian,

Soak the threads with Kroil or another good corrosion dissolving penetrant, preferably with a warm head, as heating the head will allow the aluminum threaded hole to grow in size faster and more than the steel spark plug, creating space for the plug to move.  

Heat, soak, heat, soak for a few days.  That is how I got the 50+ year old bolts off my 1960 Triumph TR3 without breaking them.  Some really stubborn ones took 5 or more cycles. 

If the heads are off, work from both sides.

You may need to chase the threads when all of the plugs are out, but that is a better solution than helicoils, etc.

Jack


-----Original Message-----
From: Shop-talk [mailto:shop-talk-bounces at autox.team.net] On Behalf Of Brian Borgstede
Sent: Monday, March 19, 2018 2:51 PM
To: shop-talk at autox.team.net
Subject: [Shop-talk] Spar plug inserts

All,
What’s your favorite fix for spark plug threads in aluminum? I’m fairly new to VWs and these plugs aren’t comming out without a fight.  For those not familiar, they are like a lawnmower, same threads and just as short.
Thanks
Brian

Sent from my iPhone
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