Rethreading Spark Plug holes in Aluminum Heads

[topfuel724]

I have a Ford of Canada Aluminum Head for a 59A that needs to have one of the spark plug holes re-threaded. I have used time-serts in the past but can not find my installation kit. What is the best kit to use now for this repair?

Thanks for your advice.

[19Fordy]

I have used the Helicoil kit with great success.

[Bored&Stroked]

I'd still use Timeserts if you can - they are a better solution than Helicoils - due to the short amount of thread and the fact that the Timesert is actually a completel little "sleeve".

[Bob C]

Ive used these several times on VW heads with no problems.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/11614354486...Bk9SR5yn3bDcYw

[petehoovie]

Originally Posted by Bob C

Ive used these several times on VW heads with no problems.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/11614354486...Bk9SR5yn3bDcYw

[Pete]

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I have used both successfully.
The helicoil is fine if the plug seat in the head is not gouged or worn.
The Timesert has the advantage of having the plug seat as part of the unit so if you get the insert installed crooked or off center the plug will always be seated normally.

[topfuel724]

Thanks everyone for your replies. The heads are installed on this engine (276 CI) and it is in a 1940 coupe. I am hoping to do the repair (# 2 cylinder) without removing the heads from the engine. I am using Autolite #216 plugs having a .437 thread reach.

Should I use the 3/8" or 7/16" time-sert as I do not want to have the insert project into the combustion chamber to create any "hot spots". Again thanks for all your comments.

[Yoyodyne]

Originally Posted by Bob C

Ive used these several times on VW heads with no problems.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/11614354486...Bk9SR5yn3bDcYw

I've had those back out with the plug when removing the plug. If you use them, keep a new one around in case that happens.

[Bored&Stroked]

Originally Posted by Yoyodyne

I've had those back out with the plug when removing the plug. If you use them, keep a new one around in case that happens.

I'd put some High-Temp LockTite around them when you insert them

[Yoyodyne]

KD supplies it, and I've used my own. They still unscrew. Letting the engine go stone cold before removing a plug helps.

[aussie merc]

some time ago i had a head repaired with a shouldered insert but the guy that did it inserted the insert from the cylinder side and the blended it back into the chamber when i questioned this he explained that the plug is always harder to remove than insert so you actually pulled the insert into the head when removing the plug [who knows but it worked] and ended up doing them all best of my knowledge its still going 30 years later

[topfuel724]

Thanks for all of the advice and comments. It was necessary to pull the head to complete the repairs properly but where very easily accomplished. Just waiting on the new head gasket now to complete the assembly.