Spark plug thread repair

  • Kaylinator
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Spark plug thread repair

26 Feb 2021 16:03 - 26 Feb 2021 16:05
#844151
Hey folks.

The spark plug threads in cylinder 1 are kinda gooned on my bike. It still tightens up and maintains compression, but I'm thinking about repairing it. I had picked up a repair kit from Canadian Tire. This one, I think: www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/oemtools-spar...25-0251079p.html#srp

I know it's best to do this repair with the head off, but was hoping to avoid it. My concern is that in photos, the threads appear to be really close to the valve. Is there any risk to hitting it when tapping the new threads for the insert?
1978 KZ1000-A2
kzrider.com/forum/11-projects/613296-1978-kz1000-a2-barn-find

1978 KZ400-B1

2022 Z900RS SE
Last edit: 26 Feb 2021 16:05 by Kaylinator. Reason: Darn you Autocorrect!

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  • Mikaw
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Re: Spark plug thread repair

26 Feb 2021 16:09
#844153
Kaylinator wrote: Hey folks.

The spark plug threads in cylinder 1 are kinda gooned on my bike. It still tightens up and maintains compression, but I'm thinking about repairing it. I had picked up a repair kit from Canadian Tire. This one, I think: www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/oemtools-spar...25-0251079p.html#srp

I know it's best to do this repair with the head off, but was hoping to avoid it. My concern is that in photos, the threads appear to be really close to the valve. Is there any risk to hitting it when tapping the new threads for the insert?

Swest has been down this road with lots of trial and error. I think he found a permanent process as it hasn’t been brought up in a while. He rides Boise pretty hard and it’s been holding up.
1976 KZ 900 A4 kzrider.com/forum/11-projects/613548-1976-kz-900-a4
1976 KZ 900 B1 LTD
1978 KZ 1000 B2 LTD
1980 KZ 750 E1
Kowledge Speaks, But Wisdom Listens.
Jimi Hendrix.

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  • daveo
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Re: Spark plug thread repair

26 Feb 2021 19:55
#844168
Following link to a SWest post on subject:

kzrider.com/forum/13-bike-related/597654...kaw?start=816#821004
1982 KZ1100-A2
The following user(s) said Thank You: SWest

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  • SWest
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Re: Spark plug thread repair

26 Feb 2021 20:02
#844169
DON'T USE THAT TOOL. IT WILL LEAK AND COME OUT WITH THE PLUG. HELICOIL OR TIME SERT ARE THE ONLY WAYs TO GO.
Steve
Z1b1000 1975 Z1b
kzrider.com/forum/11-projects/598262-kz-...-will-it-live#672882
kzrider.com/forum/2-engine/597654-poser?start=240#704229

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  • Kaylinator
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Re: Spark plug thread repair

26 Feb 2021 21:01
#844173
SWest wrote: DON'T USE THAT TOOL. IT WILL LEAK AND COME OUT WITH THE PLUG. HELICOIL OR TIME SERT ARE THE ONLY WAYs TO GO.
Steve

Please excuse my ignorance. What is different about the timesert that keeps it from coming out?
1978 KZ1000-A2
kzrider.com/forum/11-projects/613296-1978-kz1000-a2-barn-find

1978 KZ400-B1

2022 Z900RS SE

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  • SWest
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Re: Spark plug thread repair

26 Feb 2021 21:53
#844174
With the TimeSert you have to buy the kit. In it there's a special tap and an expander that expands the bottom so it won't come out. It has to be done correctly or it will leak.
Steve
Z1b1000 1975 Z1b
kzrider.com/forum/11-projects/598262-kz-...-will-it-live#672882
kzrider.com/forum/2-engine/597654-poser?start=240#704229

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  • gordone
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Re: Spark plug thread repair

27 Feb 2021 06:00
#844182
I bought these kit and fixed my threads, it had been working perfect for years.

I think the threads is then stronger then orginal?

eshop.wuerth-industrie.com/Product-categ...1543.cgid/en/US/EUR/
1981 KZ650-D4, with 1981 z750L engine (Wiensco 810 big bore).

Project:
www.kzrider.com/forum/11-projects/607213...sr-1981-z750l-engine

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  • Scirocco
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Re: Spark plug thread repair

27 Feb 2021 10:14 - 27 Feb 2021 12:10
#844202
For me, the Würth Time Sert kit is the best for a spark plug thread repair. It´s a little priciey but worth the money you have paid for.

My 1975 Z 1 B 900 Project

www.kzrider.com/forum/11-projects/605133...ears-deep-sleep-mode

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Last edit: 27 Feb 2021 12:10 by Scirocco.

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  • willemZ900
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Re: Spark plug thread repair

27 Feb 2021 11:57
#844206
Four years ago i had the same problem, so i used also a time sert and without the head off. Work calmly and make sure your motorcycle is stable. Valves closed, use grease and afterwards carefully suck out the cylinder cavity through the spark plug hole. Had no problems at all after that and till on the road B)

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  • gordone
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Re: Spark plug thread repair

27 Feb 2021 14:09
#844212
willemZ900 wrote: Four years ago i had the same problem, so i used also a time sert and without the head off. Work calmly and make sure your motorcycle is stable. Valves closed, use grease and afterwards carefully suck out the cylinder cavity through the spark plug hole. Had no problems at all after that and till on the road B)

I also was thinking about the metal «waste, but then the experience people told me, its alu. bo problem the heat will make smoke of the alu. waste :)

So I dident used grease... guess closing the valve don’t harm anything.
1981 KZ650-D4, with 1981 z750L engine (Wiensco 810 big bore).

Project:
www.kzrider.com/forum/11-projects/607213...sr-1981-z750l-engine

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