Loose threads

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Will
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Loose threads

Post by Will » Sun Jan 28, 2024 4:28 pm

Has anyone ever used aluminum foil around the sparkplug to tighten loose threads in an aluminum head. I think one of the plug hole threads in my aluminum high comp head are getting worn. I don't like the way it feels when I tighten the plug.
As Tom Sellick told Marston in the movie Quigley Down Under, I told you I dont have much use for handguns, I never said I didn't know how to use them!


Jerry VanOoteghem
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Re: Loose threads

Post by Jerry VanOoteghem » Sun Jan 28, 2024 4:31 pm

Is it a 14mm thread, or 1/2" pipe thread?


Topic author
Will
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Joined: Wed Jan 09, 2019 5:58 pm
First Name: Will
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Re: Loose threads

Post by Will » Sun Jan 28, 2024 4:34 pm

The plugs are 1/2 NPT
As Tom Sellick told Marston in the movie Quigley Down Under, I told you I dont have much use for handguns, I never said I didn't know how to use them!


Allan
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Re: Loose threads

Post by Allan » Sun Jan 28, 2024 4:52 pm

The problem is easily solved by using adapters for modern plugs. Screw the adapter in once only, with the sealant of your choice, and then use modern plugs. You may not like the look though.

Allan from down under.


Les Schubert
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Re: Loose threads

Post by Les Schubert » Sun Jan 28, 2024 4:56 pm

1/2” npt Helicoil is available. I have the kit and have probably fixed at least a dozen over the years!


speedytinc
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Re: Loose threads

Post by speedytinc » Sun Jan 28, 2024 4:58 pm

When putting plugs in an aluminum head, Anti seize compound should be used to protect the head threads from galling.
Try some & see if the plug doesn't go in to far before tight. If you are not familiar with it, its basically aluminum powder & oil made into a paste.

Plug adapters are an option. I still put anti seize on the adapters.

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Craig Leach
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Re: Loose threads

Post by Craig Leach » Mon Jan 29, 2024 2:07 am

Hi Will,
If you don't like the looks of the modern plugs & adapters they can be made from the later crimp style 1/2" npt plugs so they look like 1/2"
plug adapter.jpg
plug adapter.jpg (11.15 KiB) Viewed 1226 times
plugs
plug adapter1.jpg
plug adapter1.jpg (9.4 KiB) Viewed 1226 times
Craig.


Topic author
Will
Posts: 120
Joined: Wed Jan 09, 2019 5:58 pm
First Name: Will
Last Name: Copeland
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1915, 1919, 1923 TT
Location: Melbourne Florida
Board Member Since: 2001

Re: Loose threads

Post by Will » Mon Jan 29, 2024 8:02 am

Thank you everyone.
As Tom Sellick told Marston in the movie Quigley Down Under, I told you I dont have much use for handguns, I never said I didn't know how to use them!


Norman Kling
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Re: Loose threads

Post by Norman Kling » Mon Jan 29, 2024 10:49 am

I have used aluminum foil in a steel head. The threads had gotten rusty and when I tightened the plugs some of the compression would cause oil bubbles to come up around the plugs. The aluminum foil seemed to seal them just fine.
Norm

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