On the road, stripped plug hole calls game over

[tx4r3g]

go with the ngk plugs...

 

[NuMex00]

I believe I need the time sert 4412E kit (M14x1.25) with the 44129 insert (15mm). Does that sound right for a 5VZ-FE? I want to make sure before buying.

or is it the 44111 insert (16.8mm, i.e. 3/4 in reach)???? my calipers are standard and about 50 yrs old so they might be off just a bit, but I measure 0.6 in., not 0.66 in. Confirmation???

After some reading, looks like this is actually a common issue, especially on the #3 cylinder (which is what happened to me). Now I feel stupid for not changing the plugs earlier, I might have avoided the situation. Apparently, copper anti seize can be used as a prophylactic...

 

[nevada]

I just had this happen in my 74 Beetle, if you coat the tap in thick grease it should hold most of the shavings on to the tap, then use the time-sert or another type of solid insert.

yup. this is the correct way to do it.
and any tiny shavings that get into the cylinder will be burned up, they wont hurt anything.

 

[TheDurk]

After some reading, looks like this is actually a common issue, especially on the #3 cylinder (which is what happened to me). Now I feel stupid for not changing the plugs earlier, I might have avoided the situation. Apparently, copper anti seize can be used as a prophylactic...

Actually, I blame the ugly looking unplated Autolites. The NGK's (and I believe the Denso's, too) are plated to avoid nasty reactions between the steel and aluminum whether or not anti-seize is used. In fact, NGK recommends against it for their plugs. Essential reading:

http://www.ngksparkplugs.com/pdf/tb-0630111antisieze.pdf