1450 Stripped Spark Plug, Help!

new2tractor · #1 05-17-2013, 10:43 PM

While in the middle of dragging my yard for new grass the spark plug some how wiggled loose and popped out of my 1450. The old plug won't thread back in and also tried a new one that won't even get started. I believe that when the plug fell out the compression pushed it all the way and it took a small part of the threads with it, which is what is preventing me from threading either plug back in. Any ideas of how to fix this without taking off the head and re-tapping from the piston side? The threads below the top one look ok, but the first one is definately "shiny" as if some metal has been removed.

J-Mech · #2 05-17-2013, 11:27 PM

ooooh.... well, you may not be able to. They make a spark plug hole tap. You can usually get them at an auto parts store. I know Napa can get them, or keeps them. Put grease on the end of the tap when you start it in, that will keep the shavings from falling in the engine. MAKE SURE THE PISTON IS AT TDC! Pull the tap out often and clean/install new grease. If the threads don't clean up.... Two choices. Another head, or you can try a spark plug heli-coil. I have used these before, and the worked.... for a while. The safest way to repair this is to pull the head. I think most here would agree that it isn't that hard to pull off, and could save you $$$. IMHO.

zippy1 · #3 05-17-2013, 11:37 PM

Jonathan is nuts on. Best bet would be to take the head off, it's not to bad, plus you can clean up the carbon while you're at it.
Good luck

rweaver · #4 05-17-2013, 11:40 PM

if it was my tractor I would pull the head for 10.00 to 20.00 get another head best fix

J-Mech · #5 05-17-2013, 11:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zippy1

Jonathan is nuts on. Best bet would be to take the head off, it's not to bad, plus you can clean up the carbon while you're at it.
Good luck

He asked if you could do it without pulling the head.... You can. I've done it this way several times. Not the best choice I agree.

cubs-n-bxrs · #6 05-18-2013, 08:23 AM

I would get the correct spark plug tap and fill the flutes with grease and chase the spark plug hole. The grease keeps the chips from falling into the combustion chamber. Good luck.

new2tractor · #7 05-18-2013, 10:37 PM

Thanks for the good advice. Is TDC when the piston is all the way up? How do I know when that is?

I tried to chase the threads from the top, but it didn't seem to bite in and cut through the first thread, only digging further in and possibly shaving away at the tool too. I am going to pull the head off and chase it from the bottom.

Thanks!

CADplans · #8 05-18-2013, 10:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by new2tractor

Thanks for the good advice. Is TDC when the piston is all the way up? How do I know when that is?

I tried to chase the threads from the top, but it didn't seem to bite in and cut through the first thread, only digging further in and possibly shaving away at the tool too. I am going to pull the head off and chase it from the bottom.

Thanks!

If it effecting the tool, there may be a helicoil in there already.

The aluminum material of the head should not be able to effect the steel tool!!

red56turbo · #9 05-18-2013, 11:01 PM

I'd probably just pull the head and find a replacement. Lots of used heads in good shape. Pretty easy to take the head off and replace. Check with one of the sponsors.

new2tractor · #10 05-18-2013, 11:31 PM

I don't think it is a heli-coil but it may be a Time Sert. can the time serts be redone? I may just look to go with a new/used head to be safe.

What is TDC for the piston and how do you know when it is there?

I'm looking to get this thing up and running in short order since this week is expecting rain and I only have a little more work to do before I can plant grass so that's why I am looking at the quick options.