Helicoil! Anyone ever try it, do it?

So my 576 xp started spittin the plug. Anyone ever do helicoil fix? I hope she’s not done, its expensive to replace that saw.

 

heli coils work very good, there is probably a kit available for spark plugs, if not could you replace the cylinder? I am sure some on here have done it and will respond.

 

I think its a pretty expensive fix if helicoil doesnt work. Im sure we’ll get plenty of replies. Thanks

 

We use time serts at the shop when plugs blow out if the 5.4 and 6.8 aluminum heads much more reliable than helicoil when done correctly. The kits ain’t cheap tho.

 

So thats an insert, cheaper than the cylinder piston rebuild kit

 

Yes you ream the plug hole out. Cut new threads Then thread the insert in with high stregnth lock tite. There is a “spreader” you then thread into the insert that locks it in.
It can be done with out taking the head off but I wouldn’t do it to my vehicle.

 

I've used helicoil kits. One I did recently is eh, the other one is really good.

I'd say time-sert it on a spark plug.

 

There are some pretty good videos on there website. Sorry I can install one but not post a link

 

Use an insert-type fix if you can. Timeserts are great but expensive for the kit. I only have a m5 kit so I went with the helicoil brand “save a thread” solid inserts on an 044. It’s still holding up after 2 years of moderate use... follow the directions and pull the jug to do it.
The other option is getting it welded up and retapping proper.

 

Heli-Coil® | Keensert® | Keysert® | Acme | Comparing threaded inserts

 

I did one a Stihl. I bought a kit off the net. I took my time and tried to be meticulous and it turned out fine. Saw ran ok and no more spittin the plug out. I believe it was MS361. It fell out of a tree and hit the plug.

 

sure it did, its OK we all have made boo boo's

 

I'm an airplane mechanic, the piston engines all have aluminum heads, I've done more helicoils than I can remember.

 

We have had several repeat failures with helicoil. Since switching to the inserts there have been none.
We usually have the plug blow out after someone has changed the spark plugs and not torquing them properly.
I’m interested in why you have done so many? Sounds kinda scary to be to do that type of fix on an airplane.

 

The spark plugs come out every 100 hrs of operation to be inspected, cleaned and gapped.
There are two plugs per cylinder, so you have 8 or twelve per engine.
They should never be over torqued, but often grab the helicoil if the threads weren't cleaned and anti-seized before installation.
I've only seen one blow out in use, but had many unthread with the plug.

 

The saw was not mine. It belonged to a tree trimming business. I used to sharpen all his chains and do some work on his saws. But I decided to go for full retirement. No worrys.

 

I see more a preventative measure makes sense.

 

Well, my bosses husband owns a garage and is letting me borrow his save a thread kit. I guess ill have to go to auto parts store for the right coil. Maybe he has the coils, i’ll find out tomorrow. ??????
I just watched some you tube vids, doesnt look too bad.

 

Personally I would try the smallest diameter insert you can find, usually a heli coil. Usually they work great for spark plug holes, but if say you have a issue like the new threads crumble off as you back out the tap the option of uping the diameter of the insert still exists. I have done a lot of outboard motor heads and some of the castings will NOT weld so save that option for last.