Stripped spark plug hole

[gw33gp]

Spark plug threads are softer metal than the head threads, so head threads should be recoverable.

The 4.0 SOHC has aluminum heads. I don't know of any spark plugs that are softer than aluminum. If the damage is only on the top few threads, they should still be recoverable though. Those tap from the bottom taps should work well for this if the lower threads are not damaged.

 

[iTurbo]

IT'S FIXED!!!

I went to NAPA and got a 14mm x 1.25 tap. Slathered wheel bearing grease on it all over it and in the flutes, and mananged to get it started straight (that was nerve wracking..) Went slow and got it all the way down and brought it back out. There was some aluminum on the tap, so I rinsed it off with Brakleen, covered it with fresh grease and went in/out with it again. This time it went in/out pretty good so I sprayed the hole out to flush and put the new spark plug in. Went in all the way no problem! Fired the truck up and it seems to run great, so I took it for a short drive to get it all warmed up. No issues, and I haven't noticed any misfire like before.

Feeling pretty darn good right now....I was really afraid I'd have to either remove and replace the cylinder head or buy the Time Sert kit but it looks like I've managed to dodge a bullet. Thanks all for the help. Hope this threads helps someone else out in the future.

 

[veefer800canuck]

If it was only the first thread or two that were slightly munged, you might be alright.

Plug wasn't wobbly when it was half way threaded in??? If not, great.

Hopefully it doesn't leak out the hole and torch the head. But if that happens, you're only out the price of the tap and some time.