Small problem... Plugs

[DustyXB]

So I'm about 85% positive I cross threaded my rear spark plug hole. I'm sure I could fix it if I had a set up taps and rotated the engine but I just wanted to make sure that's what I need to do to fix it.

When I took the plugs out they were pretty tough to get out. pretty sure they were the original HD ones.

[anrkizm95]

read this thread plug thread (http://www.buellxb.com/Buell-XB-Forum/Buell-Lightning-XB12S-XB12Ss-CityX-XB12Scg/sitting-by-the-highway)

[anrkizm95]

when installing spark plugs put a small amount of anti seize on them.if you use a piece of rubber hose on the plug to install them you will never cross thread a plug.plug torque for tapered seat plugs wich is what are buells use in alum heads is 14 lbs max this takes very little effort with an 8 inch ratchet or wrench

[DustyXB]

I used some fuel line I had layin around but that didnt seem to help any. As far as the torque specs, I thought you just get them all the way down with your hand then give it a quarter turn.

[DustyXB]

K so If I shell out the $150 for the timeserts am I only able to get them online? I'm impatient.

Oh and what size am I to get?

[stang65pony]

yeah i'll need ^ this info too lol

[anrkizm95]

im almost positive its 12mm with 1.25 pitch on the threads my local napa carries them.
The M12x1.25 kit (4212) is about $125 and the 15mm length sleeve (42123) and is about $3.

thats from badweb heres the link link (http://badweatherbikers.com/buell/messages/32777/264568.html?1174009270) you will need to rotate the enging so you can strike the tool to stake the insert its very easy to install.use heavy grease or machine wax to catch the shavings.

[RT Performance]

Dusty if you can see the threads if it's just the first on or 2 you can chase them.

[anrkizm95]

[up] only timesert if threads can't be chased.

[DustyXB]

Yeah i can see them i was only able to get the first twoish threads in then it would tighten up i know i didn't cross thread all the way down. If i chase whille i need to use the time serts?

[anrkizm95]

No. if you can run the tap in fairly easy all the in.you should be fine.put some grease in the taps flutes to catch any shavings.make sure to start the tap straight.

[DustyXB]

Awesome. Thank you so much guys! Now i get to try my hand at an engine rotation.. without a stand.

[DustyXB]

Anyone know where i can find a thread chaser?

[anrkizm95]

auto parts store nape,carquest,pepboys maybe autozone

[RT Performance]

Dusty if you need I can mail you one not. Sure I have 12x 1.25 but I can get one Tuesday

[anrkizm95]

^[up]

[konarider94]

i saw a spark plug thread chaser at sears today too. the above auto parts stores should also have them

[DustyXB]

Yeah i saw the one at sears but one side was 14m and the other was 10m i was having the damnedest time trying to find anything 12mX1.25. I found a hell coil kit at orileys for about $50. I also grabbed a tap the same size invade i can just clean up the threads.

After looking at the heli coils i noticed something. There's that little tab at the bottom for install... Wont that get in the way of the plug? Im really hoping i can just clean the threads up and call it a grand ol time. The old plug was a bear to get out and the new plugs threads are perfect still. No sign of cross threading plus like i said the first few threads it was easy to get in.

I appreciate the offer RT. [up]

[Jobe Zeebuh]

How many miles do u have on them plugs? I just did mine myself and they were easy off and on. Dont do a heli coil. Bad idea. Do it right the first time. Is your engine swung out or are you trying to do this with the engine in place?

[DustyXB]

Ill be trying my hand in a rotation once i get back to the bike. I don't think hell coils are the wrong way just not the preferred way and im still not 100% sure ill be using them. Wont know till i rotate the engine. If i don't have to ill just chase the threads out.

The plugs have (as far as i know) 15000 on em. Just judging on how brittle the ceramic was and how hard they were getting out.

[RT Performance]

Don't use the helli coil with the tab those coil type don't work well.
You have to snap off the tab and it's a bitch to do and not drop it in the cylinder.
Just greese the tap and get it straight you should be good.
If not you need to get the sleeve type aka time cert style

[DustyXB]

Alright ill return then tomorrow. Cycle gear just cane out with a bitchin deal on boots so ill go get those instead Haha!