Males Baca – A stripped spark plug thread can be a serious headache for vehicle owners—whether it’s a motorcycle or a car. When the spark plug hole is worn or damaged, the spark plug can’t be tightened properly, which can lead to compression leaks and reduced engine performance. If ignored, it could cause even more serious damage. Fortunately, here are 3 ways to fix stripped spark plug threads effectively.
Luckily, there are a few methods to fix a stripped spark plug hole without having to replace the entire cylinder head or engine cover—which would be very costly. Here are several approaches you can try to solve this issue.
Daftar Isi:
How to Fix a Stripped Spark Plug Thread
1. Replace the Spark Plug Type
If the spark plug hole is already worn out, one solution is to re-thread it using a larger size and replace the spark plug with one that fits the new thread.
For example:
- On small motorcycles, you can use a Honda S90 spark plug, which has the same thread size as the GL-Pro or Tiger, but differs in length.
- On sport bikes like the Tiger, you can use spark plugs from 2-stroke engines or even compatible car spark plugs.
This method is quite effective because it doesn’t require major modifications to the cylinder head—just re-tap the hole to fit the new spark plug size.
2. Use Lathe Welding (Thread Casting)
If you don’t want to change the type of spark plug, another option is to weld and recast the damaged thread hole using lathe welding techniques.
Steps:
- Take your vehicle to a lathe welding workshop.
- Weld the damaged thread hole using babbitt metal welding.
- After welding, re-drill the spark plug hole and re-thread it with a suitable tap.
This method comes with the risk of material distortion due to the heat from welding. Therefore, make sure this is done by an experienced technician to ensure optimal results.
3. Install a Thread Insert or Sleeve
Another method to repair a stripped spark plug hole is by installing a thread insert or sleeve, also known as a helicoil or thread bushing. This method is simpler and doesn’t involve welding.
Steps:
- Find a bolt that is larger than the damaged spark plug hole.
- Drill and re-tap the hole according to the new bolt size.
- Install the bolt as a plug, then cut and smooth the surface.
- Re-tap a spark plug thread onto the installed bolt.
In essence, this method plugs the damaged spark plug hole with a large bolt, then re-creates a spark plug thread on the bolt. It’s a safer and more practical alternative compared to welding.
A stripped spark plug thread can turn into a serious issue if not addressed quickly. However, replacing the cylinder head or engine cover is not the only option, as there are still effective repair methods available.
Replacing the spark plug type, using lathe welding, or installing a thread insert are three commonly used techniques to solve this problem. Choose the method that best fits your vehicle’s condition and your level of expertise for the best results.
