Cross-threaded spark plug......... - Land Rovers Only

Adam in NYC USA · 07-05-2005, 03:38 PM

Hi there from Adam in NYC USA

Okay, I am better fixing people than Discoverys.

I am trying to change the spark plugs to Bosch Platinum +4's and I did it. I cross-threaded the first spark plug hole. Dang nag nit!

Besides now having to fix that hole, does anyone have a tried and true way to get them spark plugs right in the first time?

I remember the technique of using a vacuum hose to get it started to be threaded but why they designed the sockets at an angle that creates the right amount of back pain is beyond me.

One of the old-timers at work recommend starting the spark plug with your hand first and then use the socket for the plug and then finally use the racket.

I am fuming. Adam in NYC

roverX · 07-05-2005, 04:52 PM

Adam - try what the old timer said to do, first thread it by hand, then move on to equipment usage. I am running the +4's along with the 8mm magnecore plug wires.

rov'n · 07-05-2005, 07:26 PM

always always thread them in by hand...if need be put the socket (and only the socket) around the spark plug for better grip then start it by hand...

texasrover · 07-06-2005, 07:30 AM

I changed over to the Bosch 4 as well. I also went out and bought myself a set of Taylor wires (had to cut to the correct lenght) and installed them. I believe they were 8mm wires. I picked them up at the Hot Rod Shop. Yeah, they saw me coming... they were not sure what I wanted driving a Land Rover. LOL

Well anyways, not sure if I accomplished anything other than putting obviously better wires on at a lower cost then OEM... and spent more on plugs to break even.

As for the stripping the treads... OUCH!!! That sucks. I have never done that. I have broken a bolt off in the last (LAST) hole on the manifold. WHAT A STINKING PAIN. I ended up drilling the hole and retapping it to a stud.

Looking back, I should have put LockTite on that stud.

If the strip is bad enough the plug will not tighten... you could step up one size... retread the hole and remember you did it the next time you replace the plug.

Good luck.

LANDY96 · 07-06-2005, 09:42 AM

Well, first off to be precise..... I didn't cross thread one, I broke one off

!!!!! THAT SUCKED!!!!!!!!!! It was in a "new to me"(used) Honda I had gotten. This car had 140k with original spark plugs!! I removed them, the last one broke off as I tried to get it out. I had to take the head off, and have it removed. NOT COOL!! From now on I put anti-sieze on them and start them by hand. I don't tighten them too much either. Man at least you have good spirits about it! Good luck!
Eric.

Adam in NYC USA · 07-06-2005, 05:24 PM

I don't feel so bad. Now to get to work next week and hope the weather cooperates.

Adam in NYC

9dawgs · 07-07-2005, 01:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Adam in NYC USA

I remember the technique of using a vacuum hose to get it started to be threaded but why they designed the sockets at an angle that creates the right amount of back pain is beyond me.

The ol' vacuum hose trick is the best way I've found. Actually a piece of fuel hose works better. If the threads aren't going in right you won't be able to turn it. If they are right, you should be able to get the plugs in as far as you would by using your bare hands provided you're using a snug fitting hose.

Bummer about stripping the threads Adam...if you clean the threads without removing the cylinder head you really MUST be careful not to get metal filings in your cylinder bore...it can cause some nasty damage.

Let folks know how this drama plays out for future reference.

Serg · 07-07-2005, 01:47 PM

ALWAYS use your hands to start them.... sorry for your mishap...

Serg

1st rover · 07-07-2005, 03:02 PM

fingers always do wonders. if ur fingers cant get it done than it is time to get out the tools...

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07-05-2005, 03:38 PM	#1 (permalink)
Adam in NYC USA The Urban Motorist Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: New York City Posts: 985 Gallery: 0	Cross-threaded spark plug......... Hi there from Adam in NYC USA Okay, I am better fixing people than Discoverys. I am trying to change the spark plugs to Bosch Platinum +4's and I did it. I cross-threaded the first spark plug hole. Dang nag nit! Besides now having to fix that hole, does anyone have a tried and true way to get them spark plugs right in the first time? I remember the technique of using a vacuum hose to get it started to be threaded but why they designed the sockets at an angle that creates the right amount of back pain is beyond me. One of the old-timers at work recommend starting the spark plug with your hand first and then use the socket for the plug and then finally use the racket. I am fuming. Adam in NYC

07-05-2005, 04:52 PM	#2 (permalink)
roverX Elephantitis penisitis Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 5,439 Gallery: 0	Adam - try what the old timer said to do, first thread it by hand, then move on to equipment usage. I am running the +4's along with the 8mm magnecore plug wires. __________________ What? Is this where I'm supposed to write some profound statement that boggles the intellect of the genius that you think you are? Why would I waste my time with that when I can be getting free lap dances from your sister AND your girlfriend at the same time?

07-05-2005, 07:26 PM	#3 (permalink)
rov'n Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Lincoln,NE Posts: 229 Gallery: 0	always always thread them in by hand...if need be put the socket (and only the socket) around the spark plug for better grip then start it by hand... __________________

07-06-2005, 09:42 AM	#5 (permalink)
LANDY96 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Beaumont, Texas Posts: 782 Gallery: 0	Well, first off to be precise..... I didn't cross thread one, I broke one off !!!!! THAT SUCKED!!!!!!!!!! It was in a "new to me"(used) Honda I had gotten. This car had 140k with original spark plugs!! I removed them, the last one broke off as I tried to get it out. I had to take the head off, and have it removed. NOT COOL!! From now on I put anti-sieze on them and start them by hand. I don't tighten them too much either. Man at least you have good spirits about it! Good luck! Eric. __________________ Eric The Red 93 Range Rover Classic We will never "arrive" so the goal is to keep moving forward on our journey so we can periodically declare, "I am not what I want to be, but I am not what I used to be!" 96 DISCO SE7 5-SPEED SOLD ....okay couldn't live without a disco! 96 DISCO SD 5-SPEED -ARB Bumper -OME 2" Lift -2" spacers -Safari snorkel -15" steelies

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07-06-2005, 07:30 AM	#4 (permalink)
texasrover Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Ft. Worth, Texas Posts: 490 Gallery: 0	I changed over to the Bosch 4 as well. I also went out and bought myself a set of Taylor wires (had to cut to the correct lenght) and installed them. I believe they were 8mm wires. I picked them up at the Hot Rod Shop. Yeah, they saw me coming... they were not sure what I wanted driving a Land Rover. LOL Well anyways, not sure if I accomplished anything other than putting obviously better wires on at a lower cost then OEM... and spent more on plugs to break even. As for the stripping the treads... OUCH!!! That sucks. I have never done that. I have broken a bolt off in the last (LAST) hole on the manifold. WHAT A STINKING PAIN. I ended up drilling the hole and retapping it to a stud. Looking back, I should have put LockTite on that stud. If the strip is bad enough the plug will not tighten... you could step up one size... retread the hole and remember you did it the next time you replace the plug. Good luck.

07-06-2005, 05:24 PM	#6 (permalink)
Adam in NYC USA The Urban Motorist Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: New York City Posts: 985 Gallery: 0	Thanks for the morale...... I don't feel so bad. Now to get to work next week and hope the weather cooperates. Adam in NYC

07-07-2005, 01:47 PM	#8 (permalink)
Serg LRO Founder Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Los Gatos, CA Posts: 2,006 Gallery: 0	ALWAYS use your hands to start them.... sorry for your mishap... Serg __________________ Current Vehicles: 2003 BMW 540iT M Sport 2005 BMW R1200GS 2004 Element Skateboard (Indy trucks, Bones Swiss, etc...) Past LR's: 1995 Range Rover LWB Classic 1995 Range Rover LWB Classic 1997 Discovery XD 1995 Range Rover LWB Classic 1995 Range Rover LWB Classic 4.0

07-07-2005, 03:02 PM	#9 (permalink)
1st rover rovering?? Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: San Jose, Ca. Posts: 689 Gallery: 0	fingers always do wonders. if ur fingers cant get it done than it is time to get out the tools... __________________ -Nikunj 1993 Range Rover Classic LWB 1995 VW JETTA

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