Repairing spark plug hole with insert and cylinder head still on? video

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bradisrad

New Member
So after "finishing" my cb450 build I took my bike out for it's first real ride to run some errands. I pulled over to check directions on my cell phone. Went to take back off and my bike died (having a problem with my clutch going into first but that is another topic). I tried to kick my bike over and it wouldn't start. I was wondering if I fouled a plug by not having the fuel mixture correct. Pulled the right plug and it was jet black, went to install a new plug and noticed it wouldn't fit in snugly. The threads in the cylinder head were stripped. I went to the internet and found this video. Is this OK to do or is it a really bad idea? If I can avoid pulling the engine back out that would be great, but I don't want to do damage to the engine either.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cqid0tfLzEg
 
Yeah, I am definitely going to get one of those kits. But is it safe to use them with out removing the cylinder head on a 1974 cb450 if you are on a compression stroke?
 
millions of engines have been done safely without removing the head
so yes it is safe as long as you don't wedge the tap into an open valve and knacker it
 
do it on compression stroke, about halfway between dead bottom and dead top, that way the intake valve will be closed (stays open past bdc) and you won't run the tap into the piston
 
Two methods I use for getting the "Swarf" out. One, I make and sell mini vacuums that are essentially a blow gun that has a hose on it with a barb fitting in the other end screwed into a 2" PVC cap. Turn your shop vac on and pop the cap over the end and you now have a vacuum instead of a blow gun. If you don't have one of those the cheapest method is to have the piston half way up on a compression stroke so both valves are closed, fill the cylinder now with shaving cream. all the swarf will remain at the top of the cream till you're finished tapping the hole. When done turn the motor over and the cream and swarf will all blow out the hole. What little shaving cream left in there will blow out the exhaust valve after a few revolutions.
 
Thanks for the advice guys. I don't have a shop vac so I will probably go with the compression stroke method. So from looking on the net it seems like I have a cheap method that I can pick up at autozone for about $50 for the tap kit (similar to the first link), insert, and high temp rtv silicone or a time sert kit for about $160. Will the $50 solution work well enough? Trying to spend as little as possible, but willing to spend more if it's going to turn into a headache further down the road.



http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0002SRF4O/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1384030315&sr=8-1&pi=SY200

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0025NL1V2/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1384030168&sr=8-1&pi=SX200
 
I use this kit from Helicoil that I picked up at my local auto parts store for around $30. You can get it on Ebay for as little as $28.



 
Autozone does have an OEM kit for $29.95 but I refuse to shop there anymore. I used to swear by their price and quality in the past but lately they have become like the store I see on the TV commercial where they have the dunce behind the counter saying "we don't have it in stock, but I think we can get one from the warehouse". My local autozone is just like that, You would think if the flunkie kid behind the counter stepped off of those 2 pieces of tile he stands on behind the computer he would get an electric shock treatment. I called looking for a couple of 1157 universal light sockets in stock. I had called Advance Auto parts but they only had 1 instock for $4.99. The kid at Autozone punched it into the computer when I asked if Autozone carried one. He said the computer says there are none in the store. I said "does Autozone carry one at all?" He says " Sir, I just told you the computer says there are none in the store". I said "I didn't ask if you have one in the store, I want to know if there is one available from Autozone at all?". He says "the computer does not show one at all". I said "fine, now would you please take one minute and walk over to the light bulb shelf and see if there is one?". He comes back after a minute and lo and behold he says "We have 2 different ones and they are $9.99 each". I said "now you understand my frustration when you tell me the computer doesn't show one" and then hung up on him. Morons. I ended up ordering 5 of them off Ebay for $4.55 ($.91ea)
 
Yeah, I know exactly what you mean. I was in there yesterday and asked the kid behind the counter if they had extra inserts after I noticed the kit only had 1 and I want to redo both my plugs. He walked me over and looked half assed and said no more in that size then walked off. I looked at the price tag and noticed the size I needed had the wrong size hanging on rack so I looked behind it and sure enough they had the size I needed.

I think I'm going to try and get that kit and install it tomorrow. Thanks!
 
Nice video. I've never used one but they look like quite a good product. He explained the process really good too. Thanks for posting that, going to bookmark his channel.
 
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