NEED HELP: Stripped spark plug threads

[wyomingguns]

Hi, had a plug blow right out of my cylinder head shortky after buying my 03 bug eye imreza outback sport 2.5 NA. I have a nice plug thread repair kit but the tap/chaser takes the next size bigger socket therefore I cannot insert the correct socket for the thread tap into the spark plug boot tube that passes through the valve cover. I removed the valve cover and cannot figure out how to remove this tube. Any help would be greatful. If i cannot remove that then i will have to remove the head(drivers side) . Can this also be done in the car or should I pull the whole engine, do both headgaskets and timing belt while I am at it too Let me know
thanks

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[hybrid gti 2]

ok did you strip the thread or break the plug off inside? Most shops will tell you replace the head.

[munkis]

if you try and tap it in the car chances are a tone of metal will get in your engine.

If you need to do it on the cheap remove the head and heli coil it. If you want to do it right, replace the head.

[wyomingguns]

What i need guys is I need to know how to remove the tube from the head that the spark plug boot passes through so I can get the tap in there since it is bigger diameter than the tube. HOW do you get the tube out of the head that the PLUG boot passes throughh, thats what i need to know, thanks

[hybrid gti 2]

Not aware thats possible. Yet would be interested to find out.

[Rallycraft]

Im pretty sure its a pressed fit.

[flstffxe]

The tube is press fit and you can get them out if you are careful. However they usually do not survive if you go at them with any implement of destruction. This takes time.

Have not removed one on a subaru head(removed/installed many on motorcycle heads) but the procedure should be the same.

Heat the aluminum of the head directly around the spark plug tube with a torch, doing so will cause the hole that tube is pressed into to expand. It will take some time and some trial and error to find the right temp(only get it as hot as you need to).

After you get it hot you may be able to just pull it right out. If you can't you can try dropping an ice cube down the tube, which will cause the tube to cool and contract. If all goes well it should pull out with some effort.

You can substitute any thing cold for the ice cube, dry ice, a blast of CO2(air duster can held upside down), some times even a blast of air compressor air will be enough........



One way to get more leverage on the tube is to find a socket or some thing else that fits in the tube with little to no slop and then grab onto the tube with a good pair of channel locks using what ever you put in the tube to keep from crushing the tube. Then twist carefully.


keep the torch away from valve seals. Use the above procedure at your own risk.

[madmax718]

I dont think your removing the tube with any success without first removing the head.

Take a close look at the threads, just in case. Sometimes you can just clean up the threads, if it was just the spark plug that rusted. Seems rather odd though, its a rather young car.

[flstffxe]

the tubes point up at an angle just over the frame, it could be done. Not that it would be easy or fun.

[sackytar]

after your done buy a compression tester and use it!

[claycron]

Originally Posted by sackytar

after your done buy a compression tester and use it!

Maybe he will once you quit bumping year old threads.