Helicoil insert for a stripped spark plug hole: Difference between revisions

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Now comes the fun part. Take the insertion tool out and get the thread (string) into the cylinder. One way to do it is to ball up the thread and put a dab of grease on it to keep it bunched up, then put the guide into the spark plug well and use a piece of safety wire modified into a reverse hook to push it down. You don't want any of the thread sticking up, because when you insert the helicoil it will cut the thread, and then all your hard work to get it in is gone.

Now comes the fun part. Take the insertion tool out and get the thread (string) into the cylinder. One way to do it is to ball up the thread and put a dab of grease on it to keep it bunched up, then put the guide into the spark plug well and use a piece of safety wire modified into a reverse hook to push it down. (To make a reverse hook, make a hook to pull with, then take 50% of it and bend it back the other way. This makes a hook to push with.) You don't want any of the thread sticking up, because when you insert the helicoil it will cut the thread, and then all your hard work to get it in is gone.

The next step is to thread the insert into the newly cut threads. Hold the guide with a needlenose or some other similar means while turning the insertion tool. Once the insert is completely out of the guide tool, you will be able to feel the tension release, so you know it is in. Take the guide and insertion tool out and find the top of the string and note the position. It should be right at the top of the threads, and you want it to be a half turn below so it doesn't come unraveled. Once you have the position noted, use the insertion tool to turn it another half turn, and verify that it is now at the other side of the hole.

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-Now comes the fun part. Take the insertion tool out and get the thread (string) into the cylinder. One way to do it is to ball up the thread and put a dab of grease on it to keep it bunched up, then put the guide into the spark plug well and use a piece of safety wire modified into a reverse hook to push it down. You don't want any of the thread sticking up, because when you insert the helicoil it will cut the thread, and then all your hard work to get it in is gone.
+Now comes the fun part. Take the insertion tool out and get the thread (string) into the cylinder. One way to do it is to ball up the thread and put a dab of grease on it to keep it bunched up, then put the guide into the spark plug well and use a piece of safety wire modified into a reverse hook to push it down. (To make a reverse hook, make a hook to pull with, then take 50% of it and bend it back the other way. This makes a hook to push with.) You don't want any of the thread sticking up, because when you insert the helicoil it will cut the thread, and then all your hard work to get it in is gone.
 The next step is to thread the insert into the newly cut threads. Hold the guide with a needlenose or some other similar means while turning the insertion tool. Once the insert is completely out of the guide tool, you will be able to feel the tension release, so you know it is in. Take the guide and insertion tool out and find the top of the string and note the position. It should be right at the top of the threads, and you want it to be a half turn below so it doesn't come unraveled. Once you have the position noted, use the insertion tool to turn it another half turn, and verify that it is now at the other side of the hole.