Popped spark plug. Another casualty.

[Nuvo]

Cylinder #1 spat out the spark plug this evening and has knackered the threads. The plug now just spins on the thread. I've had trouble with this port before, see this thread.

This time I need a time-sert as I seem to recall they are better than helicoils for repairing damaged spak plug threads at any rate.

I don't suppose some kind soul has such a kit that they could lend me? Naturally, I'll cover postage costs each way.

Thanks for reading.

[S2central.net]

That sucks... But lucky you haven't destroyed more than just the malignant plug thread...

[UrS4boy]

Checking spark plug torque

I am "famous" on AudiWorld for pestering people to check their spark plug torque (22 lb ft, 30 Nm) at each oil change, by tightening ONLY, not backing off and retorquing. Seems like you missed this import piece of regular AAN, ABY, ADU maintenance and now have to pay the price (Sorry)

For more info on spark plug issues, "myths", realities and options:

http://forums.audiworld.com/s4s6/msgs/197836.phtml

http://forums.audiworld.com/s4s6/msgs/197147.phtml

http://forums.audiworld.com/s4s6/msgs/197841.phtml

[Nuvo]

I am only too aware of this known problem and the importance of checking plugs is of paramount . The trouble is that the thread was perviously damaged and rethreaded. This has likely contributed to the failure by weakening the thread. To say I'm upset by this would be an understatement.

Thanks for the links. I read them whilst weeping into my cornflakes.

[pixsaudisex2]

i check mine once every four odd months and i must say im off to do it again. sorry to hear about this. it is an important part of 20v ownership if you ask me..( and i know iv e done a few remarks on this..)

[Acidburn]

Just out of interest is this only for aby's/adu's or 3b's as well?

[kwlw]

Just out of interest is this only for aby's/adu's or 3b's as well?

Usually for direct ignition ones. BUT, checking spark plugs - never hurts, popped spark plug - hurts .

Changed oil today, and guess what - one of spark plugs turned about 30-45 degrees to 30Nm.

Sau

[Animal Mother]

Would it have any negative effect to use loctite on the sparkies??

[stiglet]

Would it have any negative effect to use loctite on the sparkies??

Possibility of overtightening as locktite acts as a lube?

Heat?


Has this ever happened on the 7A??

[UrS4boy]

Has this ever happened on the 7A??

If you read this, you will find it's not just the AAN/ABY/ADU triplets (so 7A is a likely candidate too):

http://forums.audiworld.com/s4s6/msgs/197147.phtml

[stiglet]

If you read this, you will find it's not just the AAN/ABY/ADU triplets (so 7A is a likely candidate too):

http://forums.audiworld.com/s4s6/msgs/197147.phtml

Righto. Cheers, i'll be checking those in the morning then.

[missmouse]

dead easy to fix tho, just get a thread repair insert kit like Snap-on's blue point one. Ive used this dozens of times on various engines (including my S2 & brothers S4)
& despite dire warnings of "always remove the head" to do this job, ive always done it in place without any problems by coating the rethreader with heavy grease to catch any (soft aluminium!) swarf. (as per the tool's instructions!)
Im sure I will be poo poo-ed for this advise but its fairly common practice in most garages.

simon

[Nj]

I haven't taken an engine apart before, just moved them. is the thread in the head or block? And could Rob use either from a 20v to replace in his 10v?

[UrS4boy]

I haven't taken an engine apart before, just moved them. is the thread in the head or block? And could Rob use either from a 20v to replace in his 10v?

The spark plugs are in the head. (You need to read an Engines 101 manual).

10V heads are not cross flow like the 20V head so replacement is possible but very difficult. Rob needs a 10V head.

[missmouse]

just get it to your local general garage then. They should be able to fix it for you without too much expense.
When mine went I fitted inserts to all 5 cylinders.
simon