Expert: Van - 8/23/2005

Question
Hey Van, My dad in Tenn. recommended you. While doing,(attempting) tune-up on my 86'astrovan..4.3ltr I overtightend a plug. Middle plug, passenger side.  It is the easiest to get at, which is probably why I did this stupid mistake. I have 190,000mi on ole'blue.  I have been looking at high heat gasket sealers. Is there an alternative to heli-coil? Plug will just barely tighten. It worked its way loose again in about 3 days of short trip driving.  Any help, much appreciated. If I have to heli, what is a "fair" price for installation?

Answer
Hi Larry,
I did that several years ago, and picked up a heli-coil thread repair kit just for spark plugs. I don't remember what it cost, but it was amazingly cheap, and I was also amaxed at how easy it was to do, without even removing the head. Just took about ten minutes. Instructions were included in the kit.
I think I got it from just a local parts house.
No power tools required, you just twist it in by hand.
That would be my recommendation.

You might even do a Google search for heli-coil, and find what you need, and where they have it nearby.

Van