blew a sparkplug, new one won't seat

[4eigner]

Has anyone removed the actual spark plug tubes off of the heads before? It seems like this would be the best option when trying to use a helicoil kit like this one: Amazon.com: Helicoil 5334-14 Save-A-Thread Thread Repair Kit M14 x 1.25: Automotive

Edit: I may want to retract my statement after reviewing the FSM. Apparently the tubes are pressed on via a (shop?) "press" and use a special adhesive. The only time the FSM talks about the spark plug tubes is when inserting them into a new head prior to mounting it on the block.

 

[4eigner]

A more appropriate kit perhaps would be Amazon.com: Lisle 65000 M14 x 1.25 Spark Plug Hole Repair Kit with Deep Hole Aluminum Head: Automotive
Anyone know of a brick & mortar retailer that carries Lisle tools?

Has anyone else tackled this job before?

 

[jgue467]

Mine blew out the same plug 2 years ago destroying the coilpack in the process, required a helicoil and new coilpack. I wouldn't do it any other way, I'd be too worried to gun the engine going up hills around here. I think it worked cuz it climbed the rockies on I70 west to east last fall, easy cheesy. Luck. :cowboy:

 

[4eigner]

Mine blew out the same plug 2 years ago destroying the coilpack in the process, required a helicoil and new coilpack. I wouldn't do it any other way, I'd be too worried to gun the engine going up hills around here. I think it worked cuz it climbed the rockies on I70 west to east last fall, easy cheesy. Luck. :cowboy:

Did you wind up using an extended tool like the one I linked above to get it done or were you able to get a shorter one to work? Reason I ask is that I have the shorter version of the tool in my hand now from autozone, but its a 19mm (3/4) hex on the end of the tap. There's no way I can fit either of those size sockets down the spark plug tube. Looking to avoid doing some modification to it if possible; dont want to have it fail on me midway through the tap and have to pull the head to get it right.

 

[T4RTahoe]

I've had this happen three separate times on my 4runner. I've had to have it helicoiled twice. I've taken the easy route on fixing the issue, but I'm fairly certain the larger issue is a cracked head(s) that leaks coolant and hydrolocks, causing the spark plugs to blow out of the threads also taking the ignition coil with them twice.

You'll most likely need to get a time-sert or helicoil to fix the issue temporarily, but there is most likely a larger problem that is causing this.

 

[4eigner]

I've had this happen three separate times on my 4runner. I've had to have it helicoiled twice. I've taken the easy route on fixing the issue, but I'm fairly certain the larger issue is a cracked head(s) that leaks coolant and hydrolocks, causing the spark plugs to blow out of the threads also taking the ignition coil with them twice.

You'll most likely need to get a time-sert or helicoil to fix the issue temporarily, but there is most likely a larger problem that is causing this.

It's possible that there's a larger problem at fault, but as for right now, I'm attributing it to the previous owner over-tightening the plugs when he did a "tuneup". He even installed Champion spark plugs :tsk: Shame on me for not checking prior to purchasing.

I'm picking up the longer kit to reduce my chances of more problems. If my hunch is correct, I may need to place inserts in multiple spark plug holes.