Striped out spark plug

[rob75]

So my 2000 Jetta decided to blow the spark plug out of the head yesterday.

I have the tool to ream and tap the hole for the bushing. (Fix-A-Thread)

My question is what thread locker to use? Its an aluminum head and a steel insert.

One set of instructions calls for high heat rtv and the other calls for 680 loctite (green)

I can only find 271 loctite and im not sure about the rtv dose not seem enough

What would or have you guys used?
Thanks for the help

 

[euzoa]

check out vwvortex.com or jettajunkie.com thats what i used before i sold my jetta, bet someone on there has done the exact same thing to the same car

 

[63chevyll]

I use a kit called " time sert" with red loctite

 

[ryoken]

green loctite is some serious stuff..

 

[rob75]

So i found a place with the 680 loctite and the primmer
I hope i don't ever have to take this bushing out

thanks for the input

 

[scottsdale86]

check out blownoutsparkplug.com they deal with these on ford, BMW and VW heads all the time. It isn't just a helicoil it is a specially cut thread insert so beware of someof the products out there.

 

[4X4HIGH]

I don't know what happened to the reply I left here last night but, don't ever use a steel insert in an aluminum head.

The best thing to use is a Time Sert, it is a solid bushing with the last several internal threads missing and the installation/forming tool forms those last few threads and locks the insert in place and it will NEVER come out.

If the head is off the vehicle I have a Time Sert kit with the proper inserts.

 

[rob75]

Man hoped you would comment 4x4HIGH

Unfortunately i reassembled it all last night right around the time you posted your response

It all went well and the car is running fine so far BUT i did use a steel bushing and 680 loctite.

I picked up a kit from KD tools and there inserts have a flange on the top.

From what i read the aluminum inserts were more for racing applications.

What kind of problems can i look forward to in the further from this.

Thanks for sharing sharing you knowledge it is very appreciated

 

[4X4HIGH]

The Time Serts also have a "flange" at the top side. The problem with running a dissimilar material is the expansion/contraction rate between the two materials as the head gets hot and eventually the insert will fail. You also need to make sure that you installed the correct style of insert (tapered seat or gasketed seat) I can't count the number of times i've seen people do their own repair and used the wrong insert.

 

[rob75]

they were gasketed seats
I'm looking at getting the time sert kit and ill get the aluminum inserts because i want to do all the plug holes the po did not use anti-seize on the plugs and i read that can cause problems by weakening the threads?

 

[4X4HIGH]

they were gasketed seats
I'm looking at getting the time sert kit and ill get the aluminum inserts because i want to do all the plug holes the po did not use anti-seize on the plugs and i read that can cause problems by weakening the threads?

Once you install an insert you are pretty much stuck with what you installed since just about every manufacturer uses a different style/kind of insert and usually different sizes so if you have a failure of the insert you just installed you'll have to hope that the threads in the head are still good to reinstall another of the SAME brand insert you have now. The rest of the holes you can do IF they haven't been messed with yet.

The Time Sert kits aren't cheap, I think I paid around $100ish for the one I bought. If you need a part number I can give it to you. The kit that I bought will do the majority of the heads out there with the exception of some heads to have a deep reach to the plug then there is a different kit that will do those (you could just buy that kit instead but the extra cost involved and the times you would NEED that kit aren't worth the money).

 

[rob75]

a pn # would be great they are around 150 now if I'm lucky the inserts will be the same size but probably not i might have to get the over size kit. I'm at a point with this car that it needs some work if im going to keep it. i think ill buy the tools i need and use some of my vacation time to go threw it and make it reliable for another 150000
and ill have tools left over

 

[4X4HIGH]

The Time Sert kit I have is #4412 which is the standard depth kit, the #4412E is for extended reach in holes that are 6" deep or more. Keep in mind that the kits DO NOT come with inserts, you have to buy those seperately. Most stuff is 3/4" reach so a gasketed seat insert would be #44111A = .660" length or a tapered seat insert would be #44186A