RED-Z06 2,221 #51 Posted May 10, 2022 (edited) 24 minutes ago, RJR49 said: Just keeps getting better. Tried toTorque the spark plug to 19 ft/lbs and stripped the insert! I thought it was pretty loose going in. Apparently, I side loaded the tap and oversized the threads. Search for a new head and very disappointed to learn that they don't make them anymore. What insert did you use? Most kits the reamer is self aligning. Did you put a drop of red loctite or Holding compound on the insert? Edited May 10, 2022 by RED-Z06 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RJR49 129 #52 Posted May 10, 2022 Yes the tap had the lead thread to line it up. I set it up on a Knee Mill but didn't have the guts to power tap. So, I'm sure that tapping by hand oversized the thread. There are old heads on EBay but you have to wonder what your getting. I'm thinking of welding and retapping, or machining a hole and welding in a plug that I would tap. Thoughts? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RED-Z06 2,221 #53 Posted May 10, 2022 50 minutes ago, RJR49 said: Yes the tap had the lead thread to line it up. I set it up on a Knee Mill but didn't have the guts to power tap. So, I'm sure that tapping by hand oversized the thread. There are old heads on EBay but you have to wonder what your getting. I'm thinking of welding and retapping, or machining a hole and welding in a plug that I would tap. Thoughts? Which type of insert did you use? The wire type or the smack it to set it type? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RJR49 129 #54 Posted May 10, 2022 The smack it.in type. I forget the mfg but it was a well respected name. I'm sure it was my fault. The insert was so loose I could screw it in with a finger. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RED-Z06 2,221 #55 Posted May 11, 2022 59 minutes ago, RJR49 said: The smack it.in type. I forget the mfg but it was a well respected name. I'm sure it was my fault. The insert was so loose I could screw it in with a finger. That's normal. Did you use the tool to set it right? The setting is what fouls it in place Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RJR49 129 #56 Posted May 11, 2022 Yes, I gave it a couple of good whacks Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RJR49 129 #57 Posted May 25, 2022 Its back together and mowing the yard without a problem. No strange noises! Other than replacing the points and breather filter I didnt change anything. The valves were within spec, even after all these years 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RJR49 129 #58 Posted October 22, 2022 Fixed it by drilling out the plug hole and machining a bushing which I had welded in. Starts right up and have not had a problem after mowing all summer 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
