soild helicoil spark plug inserts

Nov 18, 2003 3 Replies
J

Hello,



I bought a "sav-a-thread" kit made by helicoil to repair damaged spark plug threads at Napa. However strangely enough this kit uses solid inserts as opposed to the traditional spring helicoil even though it is made by helicoil.



The kit says to use high temp silicone on the threads, presumably to glue the insert down and then a tool is used to expand the insert to help lock it in the hole.



What has the consensus been with these solid spark plug inserts ? Also why did helicoil deviate from their traditional spring product and sell this solid insert instead ?



Thanks,



J
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N

The recomendation to use silicone sealer on the threads is simply to seal the threads, not to glue it (the insert) in place.

The inserts such as you have are preferrable to a conventional helicoil because they are stronger and less likely to unthread themselves assuming proper installation and staking.

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N

Ooops, hit send too soon....

One other advantage to the inserts over a conventional Helicoil;

No tang to break off and get lost in the cylinder.

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T

It's been my experience that the solid inserts are MORE likely to come out with a plug, when you remove it later. As for high-temp silicone, I don't understand the purpose. I've always had the best luck with a "traditional" Heli-coil insert. They require a little more care to get installed correctly, but once they're in, they last.

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