TheSamba.com :: View topic - Can you remove the tin from head without pulling engine?

Mon Aug 11, 2008 11:33 pm

Well, I hit a pretty big snag trying to get my '73 Beetle running. I pulled out the #4 spark plug, and a helicoil came out with it. I can't get it to thread back in, and I really don't feel like removing the engine, since I've been working on it while it's parked in the street. It seems like I might have a chance of getting the plug back in if I could get the blasted tin cover out of the way so I don't have to work blind through a tiny hole with no idea if I'm lining it up right. Is there any way to do that? I can get the rear tin out easily enough, but I don't see any obvious way to remove the one over the cylinder head.

Tue Aug 12, 2008 12:43 am

It sounds like it would be easier to pull the intake manifold on that side.

You can get the tin off, but not without damaging either the body, tin, or motor. There are screws holding it way back behind the motor above the starter. on both sides.

Tue Aug 12, 2008 6:35 am

Myself wrote: Well, I hit a pretty big snag trying to get my '73 Beetle running. I pulled out the #4 spark plug, and a helicoil came out with it. I can't get it to thread back in, and I really don't feel like removing the engine, since I've been working on it while it's parked in the street. It seems like I might have a chance of getting the plug back in if I could get the blasted tin cover out of the way so I don't have to work blind through a tiny hole with no idea if I'm lining it up right. Is there any way to do that? I can get the rear tin out easily enough, but I don't see any obvious way to remove the one over the cylinder head.
You might be able to do it by just unbolting the motor and sliding it back. That may give you enough access and clearance to get to those screws in the back.

Seriously, though, I'd drop the motor. It's really no big deal.

Tue Aug 12, 2008 6:50 am

Yes you can, but you will need to take the fan shroud off which will require you pretty much taking it down to the long block. It's really not that bad though. But in order to get your helicoil back in, you'll have to do it.

It will also be easier if you take the deck lid off. Plan on about 1 - 1½ hours to disassemble. Take your time.

good luck

Tue Aug 12, 2008 11:09 am

drop the motor and save time.

Tue Aug 12, 2008 11:52 am

I had this happen on my 1835 about three years ago: the heli-coil (head rebuilder had installed 4 Heli-coils in 1993 or earlier, can't remember) came out with the plug, on cylinder #2. I used a solid threaded insert (BAP or CarQuest, used red Loctite to hold it in, as per instructions) and it's worked fine for me ever since. Yes, I did this with the engine in the VW, and (good luck) the threads cut for the Heli-coil were the same as the outer threads on the insert, so I didn't need to even use the tap included in the solid thread insert kit. I cetainly try that route first, based on my experience with it.