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Mon Sep 12, 2011 1:21 pm

Hi
can someone tell me a model number of the timesert kit I need to fix a spark plug hole?
thanks

Tue Sep 13, 2011 4:29 am

Sorry, don't know the model number, but I rented the tool (and bought a couple of the inserts) from aircooled.net. Worked out great and saved a bunch since those kits are $$$
http://www.aircooled.net/new-bin/viewproductdetail.php?keyword2=TZE0025

Tue Sep 13, 2011 10:41 am

hey thanks for the reply!

Tue Sep 13, 2011 6:13 pm

Try and peer down the damaged spark plug hole and see if you can see a crack. Generally the crack starts from a valve seat and works toward the plug hole. If the crack goes into the plug threads any thread repair will be temporary as the insert will "blow out". If the engine is together and in the car this will be difficult to see. But with the engine removed and the cyl head tin removed you can use a small bottle or gallery brush with carb spray and clean the plug hole for inspection.
Hope this helps, Bill.

Tue Sep 13, 2011 6:16 pm

Oh and a well respected contributor here named Ray Greenwood last week commented on a thread repair kit that was affordable. Personally, I'm gonna look for it if he says its good. Bill

Tue Sep 13, 2011 7:11 pm

I'm actually adding these to the catalog tomorrow (9/14/11), I did the inserts today.

http://vwparts.aircooled.net/category-s/213.htm

Tue Sep 13, 2011 9:45 pm

I've been running a solid threaded insert (not TimeSert though) in my 1835cc engine for several years, has worked great.

If the plug had been repaired with heli-coil, get a solid threaded insert at NAPA or CarQuest, etc. Take a regular plug in with you if the insert won't come off your "bad" one. If it is a solid threaded insert already, just get some red Loctite and re-install it, or get new insert and new plug. See my previous post below. I have one on my 1835 engine, installed it without removing engine.

Likely the outer threads of the solid threaded insert will be the same as a heli-coil had used. The insert kit will come with a tap if you have stock thread heads. This can be done with engine in the car. Use an insert the same length as your spark plug threads.

1. Use grease on the tap. After tapping, remember to clean the newly-tapped threads very well, with aerosol brake cleaner or solvent on a Q-tip applicator.

2. Use red Loctite on the insert's outer threads.

3. Use a little Never-Seize lubricant on the spark plug threads. Thread that into the solid threaded insert.

4. Thread into the cylinder head.

5. If the insert ever comes out when you change a spark plug, transfer it or a new insert to the new spark plug and re-install.

Wed Sep 14, 2011 5:57 pm

thanks for the help all. I think once I get this fixed I'll be ready to fire'er up!

Wed Sep 14, 2011 6:55 pm

Interesting. I did not incerts were available. At some point in my Beetle's history #2 must have gotten stripped and was retooled to a larger size. However the PO just used a different spark plug for the new hole.

Does it matter that I have 3 stock and one odd-ball spark plug? Is there any need to go with an incert?

Thanks.

Wed Sep 14, 2011 7:57 pm

slione wrote: Interesting. I did not incerts were available. At some point in my Beetle's history #2 must have gotten stripped and was retooled to a larger size. However the PO just used a different spark plug for the new hole.
Does it matter that I have 3 stock and one odd-ball spark plug? Is there any need to go with an incert?
Thanks.

If the plugs are tight, I'd just leave them as they are, and replace with same. Now you know, for the future.

Wed Sep 14, 2011 8:59 pm

http://vwparts.aircooled.net/product-p/time-sert%20rental%204412.htm

Thu Sep 15, 2011 4:54 am

TimeSerts are the way to go. I have done 1000s of them, they work very well. I have an entire kit to do Northstars, trust me renting the tool for $25 is a steal. They are far superior to heli coils. As long as the driver goes all the way through the insert and forms the last thread, you will never have to worry about the insert coming back out. I also use one dab of red loctite on the outer threads before I install them.