Helicoil Solution

[baileysd46]

Hello,
Could some update me about a heilicoil solution used with spark plugs?
Thanks
Scott

[Cees Klumper]

Have you tried the search function? I think you will find all the information you'll need.

[Jonny B]

I looked yesterday and was going to comment but the internet connection at the airport was not cooperating. I tried "helicoil" in the search function, with no other qualifiers and got a page of hits.

[Jack Jones]

Hi,

Helicoil's are a crude way to repair spark plug threads or any threads for that matter. The best system for thread repair is Time Sert and is easily found on Ebay etc. I have been using them for years and when installed correctly, they will never pull out with the spark plug, unlike heilcoil.

[stickandrudderman]

Ditto............

[Raymond]

A Helicoil is not a good solution for aspark plug.  I have used one on a ball stud adjuster and it works just fine, but that is not being pulled out every time I want to play with the engine.  The threadserts are a bit more durable solution. 

[stickandrudderman]

A strange digression: Aeroplane engineers are not allowed to use timecerts as they are not approved, so they're stuck with heli-coils!

[Jack Jones]

Old habits die hard.

[roadsterdude]

What size Time Sert for our spark plugs?  I have a helicoil that needs to be replaced.

[Jack Jones]

It is a 14mm spark plug but I do not know if you can use Time-Sert once a helicoil has been installed. I believe that once you cut the threads for the helicoil the hole is too large for a successful Time-Sert repair.

Nice to see a Mercedes person that is also into Datsun Roadsters. I am still heavily involved with a group of Datsun folks even after I sold my 69 2000 Roadster.

[stickandrudderman]

You certainly will be able to use a time cert. If the standard spark plug thread set cannot be used, there is a "bigcert" kit for just such occasions.
A big outlay for the home mechanic though.
I've had mine for about 10 years and only used it twice. The last time I used it was on a Gullwing so I had no problem in recovering my capital outlay........