Click here for a spark plug thread repair tool---- amzn.to/2H7ZvCG Click here for spark plugs---- amzn.to/2SEzQmF Click here for spark plug socket tools---- amzn.to/2C9cqi2 Click here for my website--- www.stevessmallenginesaloon.com/ Click here for my Parts and Tools Store---- www.amazon.com/shop/stevessmallenginesaloon
@@lynnbellay9497 Finally did, but before I did I retapped the sparkplug and got another 30k miles. Burned through some oil though. Saved me alot of money before gas hit 5 dollars a gal
In case anyone has wondered, with these engines and most modern car engines, the head is made of aluminum, but the cylinder and rings are made of steel, aluminum is soft compared to steel and if a bit of filings do make their way into the cylinder, it probably won't hurt anything. That doesn't mean skip the grease or the paper, but don't lose sleep over it.
I had a B&S carb butterfly nut (brass) let lose and get sucked into combustion chamber. I repaired the butterfly and ran that mower for about 5 seasons before pulling the head off because the exhaust valve was stuck open. Turns out that little brass nut had been bouncing around in the combustion chamber leaving pits in the alloy piston but no damage at all to the hard bore. I just cleared out the now completely rounded nut, and the mower ran perfectly again, and is till running to this day. So yes, I agree that a bit of soft metal (brass or aluminium) although not ideal, will probably not do any significant harm inside a combustion chamber.
I can't believe that this worked. I was changing my spark plug before a snowstorm was due to hit and as luck would have it I stripped the threads. I ordered the thread repair kit from Amazon but it wouldn't be here in time and then I found this video. Instead of using a hacksaw I use my Dremel with the circular blade to make the cuts but I have to say this worked perfectly thank you so much
Holy crap. I can't believe this worked. I couldn't get the repair tool into the spark plug cylinder on a Chevy Spark. So I tried the "hack" by cutting 4 sides into the threads of an old spark plug per the video insert and gently rotated it into position. I was then able to back the old spark plug out, and the new spark plug finally went in without me having to deform the new spark plug. Thank you!!
I am rebuilding 1996 Shindaiwa Eb240. Spark plug thread cross threaded. I tried this trick and to my surprise it worked. Lol Thank you so much your channel is one of my go to's for small engine tips these kinds of channels will keep small engines alive going in to the future
Just started a small engine business , I've seen so many others condemning machinery as uneconomical repair and ripping of customers I thought I'd try it , it's going great I'm fair on pricing and use second hand parts were I cant get new for older machines to keep them running , your site has been invaluable Steve, keep up the good work 👍🏻
I have been watching your videos for about 4 years now. Today I messed up the threads in my Westinghouse generator, with your video guidance I was able to get my generator up and running in about 15 minutes. With hurricane 🌀 Helene hitting us directly just weeks ago I have to keep my generator running. Thank you again!!!
I'm 57 yrs old. A retired Ironworker. I did industrial manintanance for 30 yrs. Worked on small engines on the side. 1st time I have EVER saw this trick. Thanks
My 2000 Honda CRV threw a misfire code on cylinder 2. I checked the plug and noticed it would spin tightly but never torque down. I watched this video and used this method. It worked! No more misfire, thank you for sharing this information.
Thanks for sharing . I learned this procedure back in 1969 when I was 17 by an auto mechanic who imagrated here from Germany to Chicago, Illinois who was training me. I'm thankful for the knowledge I gained from him.
Such an invaluable hack. This could have helped me 10 years ago when I cross threaded my 2002 Honda Ruckus Head. I used some lock tite on the threads when I put my plug back in with some help from a friend. But I never thought to do this. By watching you I think you could have dropped a Q-tip in the hole and swabbed the threads before pulling out your tissue for some added reassurance that there will be no filings left. Also utilizing a cheap inspection camera to insure there are no filings left behind in your combustion chamber. It’s cheap insurance! Thank you for sharing your knowledge and the ingenious knowledge of others. Your an absolute lifesaver!
Shew, you saved me Steve, . . . and Scott! I was pulling a plug on my truck that had to come out at a funny angle. I must've buggered up the last thread and I could not get the new plug to thread in. A google search for fixing spark plug threads pulled up your video. 30 minutes and only half a beer later and I had the new plug threaded in! Thanks
I'm slowly starting a very profitable business and I have you to thank you've helped me out of many jams. Watching this video now at 3am for a job coming up haha.
Was about to pull the trigger on the tap/helicoil system and then I saw your video. Thought, what the heck, let's give it a try. 5 minutes later, not only did the spark plug in my Toyota rav4 2008 go in, but I was actually do the proper torque as well. Super impressed and thankful.
You Sir, are the best. If I lived within 50 miles of your shop I would always take my mowers, saws and small engines to you just because your not afraid to share your knowledge. You are The Professional in my book. BTW, I’m still enjoying the handblown glass mugs I ordered due to your promo a year ago or so. I’ve bought several and gave away as presents and am buying more of them as they are a joy to drink coffee/hot chocolate from. Please keep up the great channel you have Steve, you’ve helped thousands of folks I’m sure.⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
FANtastic, which is why I am such a fan of your channel!!! Kudos to Scott for a brilliant hack and to you for passing it on to all of us Ive been using chain saws off and on since I was 12 and in June I complete my 70th lap around the birthday cake. I’m very appreciative of all you’ve taught us, your enriched viewers!!!
You just saved me countless dollars and an embarrassing trip to a shop with the used Suburban I just bought. I used a Dremel for the very first time doing this trick!
I’ve done this with bolts and threaded holes multiple times never had the issue of a plug hole with damaged threads where I used this method but I am sure it would work great. The things you learn when repairing things professionally are invaluable for life when you get a curveball a crusty old mechanic showed me this trick years ago. Great video for passing on knowledge.
@@StevesSmallEngineSaloon I found damaged threads without noticing any lack in performance. This echo leaf blower is a PB-9010T. 1-1/2 years old. Can not believe this has happened
Thank you ! You made my day. I crossed threaded the drain plug on my lawn mower in the dark as I was finishing up, Thanks for sharing this gem of a tip. Greetings from land down under.👍
What beer does Scott recomend for this job... this Sunday is mother's day... so thank you Steve's mum for teaching him to share. Great video Steve, stay safe 🇦🇺
Just a "small" additional tip, Slowly (and LIGHTLY) Reverse the Spark Plug into the Threads until it "DROPS" to find the "Leading Edge" of the corresponding threads in the Head! My Dad was a DOT Mechanic, and taught me to do this ESPECIALLY for Spark Plugs! I ALWAYS do this with ALL BOLTS out of habit. It's an extra Step, but I have NEVER Cross-Threaded a Spark Plug in my 35+ years of Wrenching! -It ALSO Helps to "Wipe-Down" the Threads on both peices (where applicable) to remove Dirt & Grime!- Thanks for sharing another Great Tip Video! 🙀 Take care, 🤓 -Thomas Western Washington State
Yo Steve! That worked out! I bought a new spark plug and i cut away to mimic a tap and it worked. It cut away and cleaned out the threads on the block! Thanks for that tip!!
Retired steelworker I learned this from a gunsmith but we used a triangle file and made three slots on spark plug and he also said that this is called a thread chaser
Steve, Mate you are so clever & helpful. Also you can bust the ceramic off the plug & drill it out, then weld a metal tube the same diameter to the plug body where the ceramic was. Then you use a "go through" (or hollow) socket set and the tube pokes up through it. Then you just connect a plastic or rubber tube to the plug and connect the other end of this tube to a shop vacuum cleaner (Using tape to step the vacuum hose diameter down to the tube size). When you combine the suction with the grease on the threads you get zero metal filings falling into the motor. We have done this on motor vehicles and they are still running to this day. Cheers
My mower spark plug was cross threaded, I tried the trick using a hacksaw blade and didn’t quite work. So I bought a tap for less than $10 and it worked like a charm! Great video, thanks Steve.
Cheers Mate what a great hack I've just stripped the thread in my VW beetle motor which is mounted in my 1972 610 Bobcat many thanks, from Western Australia, Hillman
I came across this after I had to get my sons SNO-TEK 208cc by Ariens snow thrower. It was real bad, even cracked the edge of the spark plug hole. Once done, it took a bit to get it to start and stay running. Had to use starting fluid spray and about 100 pumps off and on on the primer between start attempts. With a new plug, it runs again. Thanks for posting this.
Hi Steve, thanks for learning and then for sharing this great hack for correcting crossed threads. This hack can probably work on threads of many different male parts, not just spark plugs. Thanks again for sharing your knowledge! Your presentations and explanations are very easy to understand, so I go to your videos before anyone else's.
That is great. I did cross thread a plug on my Honda blower this year. I had a spark plug threader for years that I had never used. Don't even remember where I got it. I figured I would give it a go as I had nothing to lose. It worked great and cleaned the threads. I used a vacuum to suck the metal back out. Most of them stayed on the tap. What I learned from this is to use a tissue and grease if I have to do this again. Thanks for this video. I have removed plugs for over 50 years now and this one was the first time I cross threaded one.
Great tip here Steve... The average Joe may not be prepared to go the heli-coil route, plus the tool & thread adaptors can get a bit expensive too. This reminds me of my now long forgotten JD LX-176 single cyl engine spark plug cross thread ordeal I had. That mower was on its last legs in either case after 19 years of hard work but very well maintained, that is why I got 19 years out of it! It's last (4) years of service, it was held together with Bandaids basically, lol... In my case, the starter threads in the cyl. head cross threaded, I chased my new plug back into the cyl head with a back & forth motion, basically recutting new threads into it or more likely, restriping new threads into it. I knew this was the last time it would ever see a new spark plug, seated it all the way back in, ran like a champ. (1) year later, bought a new JD X500, with a twin 25 HP Kawasaki engine with locking rear differential. This machine will last the rest of my lifetime with proper maintenance on my extremely steep terrain here in the highlands of VT. Thanks Steve, Bill on the Hill...
@@JM-yx1lm I wasn't going for the easiest way, its just another way. Sometimes its hard to get the tool for correcting the threads to go straight. How would you tackle it?
Thanks for the taking the time to make this video. I unfortunately cross threaded the soak plug on a HF Predator generator. I was going to use a save a thread ($40+ in Amazon) or auto zone’s copy from duralast. I used your tip. Not gonna lie, I was sweating for a while but in the end I was able to get it done. The generator fired right up.
Nice tip for a DIY. Thanks. I have a nice tool that I use. It’s a thread chaser with 14mm on one side and 18mm on the other with a hex in the middle for your ratchet. Same idea though. I think it’s made by KD tools.
Worked for me now I've got 2 more strimmers working that have been sat there waiting for me to take to a shop for repair 2 years ago lol legend Steve UK loving ya
This is truly a great hack, just used it to repair threads on my snow blower. I did use a Dremel tool to to notch the spark plug. Much faster than the hacksaw. Thanks for the tip!!!
Another great tip from Steve and Scot. Try this also. Use a stronger tissue like a baby wipe to prevent it tearing when you remove it with pliers. Also put the piston at top dead centre to prevent the tissue from falling down into the cylinder.
A great big SHOUT OUT to Scott & (Steve) lol. I thought my bank account was about to take a "big" hit! Messed up the threads on a Yamaha scooter spark plug hole. Used this procedure exactly as shown in the video. BAM! Worked like a charm. 😃
Great video, one of the oldest tricks on the book, home made tap. Been loving the channel. I however will pay the cost of a head gasket to do this job with head off. I'm sure you know what I mean. Keep it up
Steve, I just wanted to thank you for your passing along the tip on repairing an apparently cross threaded spark plug. You and your friend saved me about $100 by not having to purchase a new Ryobi trimmer! I followed your directions, using a Dremel, and, with a little force (what did I have to lose?), firmly inserted the doctored old plug, then successfully seated a new one. Thanks.
Spark plug trick to fix threads is great and what a moneysaver used it and it worked great shop wanted 200$ and not sure it would work. Thanks!!!!!!!!!!
THANKS ALOT STEVE!😁I'VE HAD THAT PROBLEM AND I DIDN'T KNOW WHAT TO DO SO I BOUGHT TOOLS TO DO IT AND AT THE END I ENDED UP THROWING AWAY MY ENGINE BECAUSE I DAMAGED IT ALOT MORE. THANKS STEVE UR HONESTY MY LIKE ANGEL😁
Oh man, the amount of times I’ve ran out to the hardware store to buy taps, I have been stuck a few times on those late night projects when I come across a cross threaded bolt, I’ll keep this little trick up my sleeve for when I need an urgent fix!!
Thanks for another fine lesson on small engine repair. So, do I understand correctly that the loss of some threads/metal material is of little or no concern? Why is that?
great hack, will be trying it as soon as i pick up two new spark plugs. on the cleaning metal out of the plug hole i would use a stick magnet also along with wiping it out like you did. Thanks.
Just did this on my gf's Yamaha xj600s and it worked like a charm. The only thing is that the sparkplug hole was too narrow, deep and stuffed away to fit a needle nose inside so I figured I would just try and blow out the shrapnel with a compressor without using the paper tissue. for now it has worked brilliantly, just really hope there won't be any damage in the long run...
I just stripped the spark plug threads on my 6.75hp B&S engine and I was kind of disappointed not knowing what I was going to. Well, thanks to your video I now have a way forward. I was even considering scrapping the engine but, not anymore. Thanks.
I've tapped car engine heads for spark plug thread inserts without removing the head. Similar procedure but no stuffing paper in the cylinder. Using oil or grease to catch as many chips as possible (removing the tap frequently) then vacuuming out the cylinder to get more then turning over the engine (without starting) with the spark plug out so the chips blow out the hole. Block is iron, head aluminum so it won't hurt anything to get the chips out that way.
I've had great success by cleaning the threads on the plug. Greasing the plug😢and then using JB weld, applying it to the hole threads hand tighten the plug. Leave it in 36hrs. Then remove the plug. It works on the worst of threads into aluminium.
Wow! Thank you so much Steve!! Had a problem with the head on my old Honda CB....after finding I had somehow cross threaded a plug! Having almost finished restoring the bike I really didn’t fancy taking the engine back out and removing the head etc...stubbled across your video, went straight in the garage tried the hack and it worked great!! Problem solved, plus enjoyed a beer at the same time so bonus!
The best thing to do to keep from stripping the threads is start the spark plug by hand & run it as far in as possible before putting wrench on it. Then just snug it down.
You're very welcome Steve, your video about cutting slots into the spark plug and using it as a tap worked like a charm. I actually cut 5 slots to give me more cutting edges. I used it in a Chrysler 3.8 V6. I was worried about how to repair it and you saved me a lot of time and labor. Thanks again, have a Merry Christmas. I love you man, lol.
This is a first. How cool is that, a spark plug turned into a tap. Like the Idea of the paper towel also. Steve I haven't seen your shop but if you are still working [I quit and just drink beer by the way] look into a hand held vacuum cleaner that hooks up to an air line[ Blue point ]. Years ago I had two, one with the zipper bag stuffed full of tissue for absorbing oil and grease. You probably have one and I hope my comments are In line with all of your intentions. Love this stuff
Car, motorcycle, chainsaw, lawnmowers, always back thread till you feel the "click" then screw in your spark plug. I haven't had problems with spark plugs in decades.
lr lrs yes that is what he is talking about I’m a plumber and it works great. I cross thread very little. But in my situation it’s on a car hard to reach hole I can barely screw forwards let alone back to feel a click, and even if I do I have no idea if is going straight it could be at a slight angle since i can’t see it
Steve, Steve, Steve, Steve, Steve! Just one thing I'd like to take issue with. Now, you've given some misleading advice there.....you said you'd consider this to be a two beer job....hmmm, I'd be telling my wife, "you know I love you, but baby, this is big! I'll do my best but this looks like a 3 to 4 beer scenario!" I'm just saying Steve....we need to be more realistic here! Aside from that....brilliant! Best from the UK bruv (via Perth, Australia til Friday!)
David Hillam Man I agree. Steve should do some kind of code that we all understand. Like taking how many beers it will really take and quadrupling it. That way we can show the video to our wives as proof. Couple handy little tips that have helped me in the past. Grab a hammer and every half hour or so beat on a piece of metal and scream a few curse words even better if you have a grinder, just taking a little piece of scrap and do the same also, never do the entire job all at once. Make sure you leave a few pieces still taken apart, that way when she walks in she won't find your engine put back together with you still drinking beer. Also, if you can master the sad disgruntled face, you may even be able to get her to drive to the store and grab you even more beer!
Hi Steve, your techinique makes sense , I am going to try it . One thing to add is if you apply some grease on the tissue after it is inserted down the hole , it should trap any fallen bits of metal .
Great trick but reusing the spark plug with cut threads is asking for trouble. Why not throw it away?? Most spark plugs for small engines cost less then $5
A trick I use to get metal filings / shavings out of the cylinder when they sneak past the preventative measures on spark plug hole repairs is to use about a foot of 3/8'' inside diameter tubing, duct or electrical tape to the end of a Shop Vac while also making an air seal, and vacuum the shavings out. Sometimes, I will cut the threads dry (grease makes vacuum pick up difficult) with the piston at BDC and simply vacuum the shavings out by putting the 3/8'' tubing down in the cylinder when I am finished. I use a powerful flashlight and sometimes a bore scope to check the cylinder through the spark plug hole to make sure I got all the shavings. CAUTION: be sure that there is no fuel fumes in the engine!!! Those and vacuums don't play well together. Usually, engines that need spark plug hole rejuvenation haven't run for a while, so there is a decreased
I just bought a car with a stipped spark plug (old owner said it had no problems but the plugs and wires are brand new so he definitely knew) I bought a save a thread kit already but i might try this first. Might save me having to helicoil it. Thanks
Click here for a spark plug thread repair tool---- amzn.to/2H7ZvCG
Click here for spark plugs---- amzn.to/2SEzQmF
Click here for spark plug socket tools---- amzn.to/2C9cqi2
Click here for my website--- www.stevessmallenginesaloon.com/
Click here for my Parts and Tools Store---- www.amazon.com/shop/stevessmallenginesaloon
You think I could do this with my f150??
awesome, very helpful hacks.tnxs.
@@eh6968 junk it
@@lynnbellay9497 Finally did, but before I did I retapped the sparkplug and got another 30k miles. Burned through some oil though. Saved me alot of money before gas hit 5 dollars a gal
What if the tissues that I put in spark plug hole slipped inside and I can’t get it out
Steve deserves a medal for doing these videos. This repair is easy and we have nothing to lose if it doesn't work.
Thank You...
In case anyone has wondered, with these engines and most modern car engines, the head is made of aluminum, but the cylinder and rings are made of steel, aluminum is soft compared to steel and if a bit of filings do make their way into the cylinder, it probably won't hurt anything. That doesn't mean skip the grease or the paper, but don't lose sleep over it.
Should definitely get it all out though if you can help it. Brake cleaner and a air compressor always works.
I had a B&S carb butterfly nut (brass) let lose and get sucked into combustion chamber. I repaired the butterfly and ran that mower for about 5 seasons before pulling the head off because the exhaust valve was stuck open. Turns out that little brass nut had been bouncing around in the combustion chamber leaving pits in the alloy piston but no damage at all to the hard bore. I just cleared out the now completely rounded nut, and the mower ran perfectly again, and is till running to this day. So yes, I agree that a bit of soft metal (brass or aluminium) although not ideal, will probably not do any significant harm inside a combustion chamber.
These crackpot mechanics are funny.
I can't believe that this worked. I was changing my spark plug before a snowstorm was due to hit and as luck would have it I stripped the threads. I ordered the thread repair kit from Amazon but it wouldn't be here in time and then I found this video. Instead of using a hacksaw I use my Dremel with the circular blade to make the cuts but I have to say this worked perfectly thank you so much
You're Welcome...
Holy crap. I can't believe this worked. I couldn't get the repair tool into the spark plug cylinder on a Chevy Spark. So I tried the "hack" by cutting 4 sides into the threads of an old spark plug per the video insert and gently rotated it into position. I was then able to back the old spark plug out, and the new spark plug finally went in without me having to deform the new spark plug. Thank you!!
Nice job!
I can’t tell you how much money I have saved from watching you. Thanks from Michigan
Awesome...
He’s tha Man !!!!!
I am rebuilding 1996 Shindaiwa Eb240. Spark plug thread cross threaded. I tried this trick and to my surprise it worked. Lol
Thank you so much your channel is one of my go to's for small engine tips these kinds of channels will keep small engines alive going in to the future
Excellent!
Just started a small engine business , I've seen so many others condemning machinery as uneconomical repair and ripping of customers I thought I'd try it , it's going great I'm fair on pricing and use second hand parts were I cant get new for older machines to keep them running , your site has been invaluable Steve, keep up the good work 👍🏻
Thank You...and good luck brutha...
I have been watching your videos for about 4 years now. Today I messed up the threads in my Westinghouse generator, with your video guidance I was able to get my generator up and running in about 15 minutes. With hurricane 🌀 Helene hitting us directly just weeks ago I have to keep my generator running. Thank you again!!!
Great job!
I'm 57 yrs old. A retired Ironworker. I did industrial manintanance for 30 yrs. Worked on small engines on the side. 1st time I have EVER saw this trick. Thanks
You're Welcome...
My 2000 Honda CRV threw a misfire code on cylinder 2. I checked the plug and noticed it would spin tightly but never torque down. I watched this video and used this method. It worked! No more misfire, thank you for sharing this information.
Right on
ABSOLUTELY ROCKIN' TIP and you lose nothing if it dosen't work.
Steve's Small Engine Saloon
saving you $$ and time!!
THANK YOU, BROTHER!!
Thank You...and You're Welcome...
Thanks for sharing . I learned this procedure back in 1969 when I was 17 by an auto mechanic who imagrated here from Germany to Chicago, Illinois who was training me. I'm thankful for the knowledge I gained from him.
Right on...
Such an invaluable hack. This could have helped me 10 years ago when I cross threaded my 2002 Honda Ruckus Head. I used some lock tite on the threads when I put my plug back in with some help from a friend. But I never thought to do this. By watching you I think you could have dropped a Q-tip in the hole and swabbed the threads before pulling out your tissue for some added reassurance that there will be no filings left. Also utilizing a cheap inspection camera to insure there are no filings left behind in your combustion chamber. It’s cheap insurance! Thank you for sharing your knowledge and the ingenious knowledge of others. Your an absolute lifesaver!
Thank You...
I just did setti g my values slims about too it love my rukus huss urs doing
Shew, you saved me Steve, . . . and Scott! I was pulling a plug on my truck that had to come out at a funny angle. I must've buggered up the last thread and I could not get the new plug to thread in. A google search for fixing spark plug threads pulled up your video. 30 minutes and only half a beer later and I had the new plug threaded in! Thanks
Right on Corey....
I'm slowly starting a very profitable business and I have you to thank you've helped me out of many jams. Watching this video now at 3am for a job coming up haha.
Was about to pull the trigger on the tap/helicoil system and then I saw your video. Thought, what the heck, let's give it a try. 5 minutes later, not only did the spark plug in my Toyota rav4 2008 go in, but I was actually do the proper torque as well. Super impressed and thankful.
Right on buddy!
You Sir, are the best. If I lived within 50 miles of your shop I would always take my mowers, saws and small engines to you just because your not afraid to share your knowledge. You are The Professional in my book. BTW, I’m still enjoying the handblown glass mugs I ordered due to your promo a year ago or so. I’ve bought several and gave away as presents and am buying more of them as they are a joy to drink coffee/hot chocolate from. Please keep up the great channel you have Steve, you’ve helped thousands of folks I’m sure.⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
What a compliment! Thank you so much my friend...
I run a chainsaw WAY more than the average guy and I just had this problem today. I knew I could count on you Steve. You are my go to guy!
Thank You...
FANtastic, which is why I am such a fan of your channel!!!
Kudos to Scott for a brilliant hack and to you for passing it on to all of us
Ive been using chain saws off and on since I was 12 and in June I complete my 70th lap around the birthday cake. I’m very appreciative of all you’ve taught us, your enriched viewers!!!
Thank you very much Tom...
You just saved me countless dollars and an embarrassing trip to a shop with the used Suburban I just bought. I used a Dremel for the very first time doing this trick!
Right on! Glad it helped ya out!
I’ve done this with bolts and threaded holes multiple times never had the issue of a plug hole with damaged threads where I used this method but I am sure it would work great. The things you learn when repairing things professionally are invaluable for life when you get a curveball a crusty old mechanic showed me this trick years ago. Great video for passing on knowledge.
Thanks for sharing
@@StevesSmallEngineSaloon I found damaged threads without noticing any lack in performance. This echo leaf blower is a PB-9010T. 1-1/2 years old. Can not believe this has happened
Thank you ! You made my day.
I crossed threaded the drain plug on my lawn mower in the dark as I was finishing up,
Thanks for sharing this gem of a tip.
Greetings from land down under.👍
What beer does Scott recomend for this job... this Sunday is mother's day... so thank you Steve's mum for teaching him to share.
Great video Steve, stay safe 🇦🇺
Just a "small" additional tip, Slowly (and LIGHTLY) Reverse the Spark Plug into the Threads until it "DROPS" to find the "Leading Edge" of the corresponding threads in the Head!
My Dad was a DOT Mechanic, and taught me to do this ESPECIALLY for Spark Plugs! I ALWAYS do this with ALL BOLTS out of habit.
It's an extra Step, but I have NEVER Cross-Threaded a Spark Plug in my 35+ years of Wrenching!
-It ALSO Helps to "Wipe-Down" the Threads on both peices (where applicable) to remove Dirt & Grime!-
Thanks for sharing another Great Tip Video! 🙀
Take care,
🤓 -Thomas
Western Washington State
Yo Steve! That worked out!
I bought a new spark plug and i cut away to mimic a tap and it worked. It cut away and cleaned out the threads on the block!
Thanks for that tip!!
You're Welcome...
Retired steelworker
I learned this from a gunsmith but we used a triangle file and made three slots on spark plug and he also said that this is called a thread chaser
Steve, Mate you are so clever & helpful.
Also you can bust the ceramic off the plug & drill it out, then weld a metal tube the same diameter to the plug body where the ceramic was. Then you use a "go through" (or hollow) socket set and the tube pokes up through it.
Then you just connect a plastic or rubber tube to the plug and connect the other end of this tube to a shop vacuum cleaner (Using tape to step the vacuum hose diameter down to the tube size). When you combine the suction with the grease on the threads you get zero metal filings falling into the motor.
We have done this on motor vehicles and they are still running to this day.
Cheers
My mower spark plug was cross threaded, I tried the trick using a hacksaw blade and didn’t quite work. So I bought a tap for less than $10 and it worked like a charm! Great video, thanks Steve.
Had the same problem Allen, the RJ19LM is a short plug, I couldn't seem to.make contact with a blade, but none the less a great hack.
Cheers Mate what a great hack I've just stripped the thread in my VW beetle motor which is mounted in my 1972 610 Bobcat many thanks, from Western Australia, Hillman
This worked perfectly on some messed up threads on my craftsman snowblower. Thank you!!
You're Welcome...
I’m need to try this. I am ashamed that I’ve done this on my one year old Aeriens snowblower. Pure carelessness on my part. Wish me luck .
I came across this after I had to get my sons SNO-TEK 208cc by Ariens snow thrower. It was real bad, even cracked the edge of the spark plug hole. Once done, it took a bit to get it to start and stay running. Had to use starting fluid spray and about 100 pumps off and on on the primer between start attempts. With a new plug, it runs again.
Thanks for posting this.
You're Welcome...
Hi Steve, thanks for learning and then for sharing this great hack for correcting crossed threads. This hack can probably work on threads of many different male parts, not just spark plugs. Thanks again for sharing your knowledge! Your presentations and explanations are very easy to understand, so I go to your videos before anyone else's.
Right on buddy! Thank You...
That is great. I did cross thread a plug on my Honda blower this year. I had a spark plug threader for years that I had never used. Don't even remember where I got it.
I figured I would give it a go as I had nothing to lose. It worked great and cleaned the threads. I used a vacuum to suck the metal back out. Most of them stayed on the tap. What I learned from this is to use a tissue and grease if I have to do this again. Thanks for this video. I have removed plugs for over 50 years now and this one was the first time I cross threaded one.
Thanks Paul...
Great tip here Steve... The average Joe may not be prepared to go the heli-coil route, plus the tool & thread adaptors can get a bit expensive too. This reminds me of my now long forgotten JD LX-176 single cyl engine spark plug cross thread ordeal I had. That mower was on its last legs in either case after 19 years of hard work but very well maintained, that is why I got 19 years out of it! It's last (4) years of service, it was held together with Bandaids basically, lol... In my case, the starter threads in the cyl. head cross threaded, I chased my new plug back into the cyl head with a back & forth motion, basically recutting new threads into it or more likely, restriping new threads into it. I knew this was the last time it would ever see a new spark plug, seated it all the way back in, ran like a champ. (1) year later, bought a new JD X500, with a twin 25 HP Kawasaki engine with locking rear differential. This machine will last the rest of my lifetime with proper maintenance on my extremely steep terrain here in the highlands of VT.
Thanks Steve,
Bill on the Hill...
Right on, thanks Bill...
OMG!!!! This hack was a real time and money saver. It worked great!!!! Thanks Steve and the one who shall remain nameless!!! LOL!!!!
great tip !...another example of why you have an awesome channel...thumbs up
I appreciate that!
Thanks Steve. Great tip. I think your mom must be a great lady. Think she would be proud of the way her boy learned to share.
You're Welcome... and Thank You...
If you can get the head off, you can also straighten out the threads by taking a plug through from the inside of the hole.
No way man. Much easier ways to fix this than taking the head off.
@@JM-yx1lm I wasn't going for the easiest way, its just another way.
Sometimes its hard to get the tool for correcting the threads to go straight.
How would you tackle it?
Heli coil…. Dun deal..
Thanks for the taking the time to make this video. I unfortunately cross threaded the soak plug on a HF Predator generator. I was going to use a save a thread ($40+ in Amazon) or auto zone’s copy from duralast. I used your tip. Not gonna lie, I was sweating for a while but in the end I was able to get it done. The generator fired right up.
Glad it helped
Thanks again Steve and Scott. This channel is a treasure trove of brilliant hacks and info for people like me 👍🏻
You're Welcome...
Absolutely no one does it better than Steve does. Knowledgeable and helpful. Yep that's Steve.
Wow, thanks!
that was a pretty helpful tip, thank for sharing it Scott, I mean steve
You're Welcome...
Thankyou Steve, thankyou so much for being kind enough to share all these amazing tips and tricks.
My pleasure!
1 down vote. Must have been Scott. Lol
LMAO...
😂
Kilmore?
That’s hilarious at least you know he’s watching 😂😂😂
Lol
I was in a jam last night and for the first time I stripped a spark plug slightly. This video was a lifesaver, It is a legit hack and it works.
Thank You...
Nice tip for a DIY. Thanks.
I have a nice tool that I use. It’s a thread chaser with 14mm on one side and 18mm on the other with a hex in the middle for your ratchet. Same idea though. I think it’s made by KD tools.
Thank You...
I have been using this method for probably forty years. But so nice to be mentally refreshed.
Right on
Scott! Lol... thank you for sharing this tip
LOL, Right on...
Worked for me now I've got 2 more strimmers working that have been sat there waiting for me to take to a shop for repair 2 years ago lol legend Steve UK loving ya
Right on Adrian...Thank You...
Scott thank you for the idea. Steve thank you for sharing.
Right on...
This is truly a great hack, just used it to repair threads on my snow blower. I did use a Dremel tool to to notch the spark plug. Much faster than the hacksaw. Thanks for the tip!!!
Nice work!
Another great tip from Steve and Scot. Try this also. Use a stronger tissue like a baby wipe to prevent it tearing when you remove it with pliers. Also put the piston at top dead centre to prevent the tissue from falling down into the cylinder.
What if the tissue does fall into the cylinder or the engine? What do I do now?
A great big SHOUT OUT to Scott & (Steve) lol. I thought my bank account was about to take a "big" hit! Messed up the threads on a Yamaha scooter spark plug hole. Used this procedure exactly as shown in the video. BAM! Worked like a charm. 😃
AWESOME!
Great video, one of the oldest tricks on the book, home made tap. Been loving the channel. I however will pay the cost of a head gasket to do this job with head off. I'm sure you know what I mean. Keep it up
Thanks Steve.... I teach small gas engines and you've helped me out many times!
Great to hear!
Scott that's a great fix. 2 beers is the key factor.
Right on Don...
Steve, I just wanted to thank you for your passing along the tip on repairing an apparently cross threaded spark plug. You and your friend saved me about $100 by not having to purchase a new Ryobi trimmer! I followed your directions, using a Dremel, and, with a little force (what did I have to lose?), firmly inserted the doctored old plug, then successfully seated a new one. Thanks.
Great job!
Even if you mess up your treads at this point you can still redo the treads with an heli coil.
Great tip Steve. Cheers from Brisbane Australia.
Thank You...
Spark plug trick to fix threads is great and what a moneysaver used it and it worked great shop wanted 200$ and not sure it would work. Thanks!!!!!!!!!!
You're Welcome...
THANKS ALOT STEVE!😁I'VE HAD THAT PROBLEM AND I DIDN'T KNOW WHAT TO DO SO I BOUGHT TOOLS TO DO IT AND AT THE END I ENDED UP THROWING AWAY MY ENGINE BECAUSE I DAMAGED IT ALOT MORE. THANKS STEVE UR HONESTY MY LIKE ANGEL😁
You're Welcome...
Oh man, the amount of times I’ve ran out to the hardware store to buy taps, I have been stuck a few times on those late night projects when I come across a cross threaded bolt,
I’ll keep this little trick up my sleeve for when I need an urgent fix!!
Right on Buddy...
Thanks for another fine lesson on small engine repair. So, do I understand correctly that the loss of some threads/metal material is of little or no concern? Why is that?
If the plug blows out you haven't lost anything by this shadetree method.
You can go ahead with Heli-Coil or larger plug.
great hack, will be trying it as soon as i pick up two new spark plugs. on the cleaning metal out of the plug hole i would use a stick magnet also along with wiping it out like you did. Thanks.
another great video many friend!
Thank you so much Steve & Scott for sharing .. tried this trick on a 2005 ford explorer and saved me some money ..
Excellent!
Thanks again Steve.
Right on Bruce...
Hey internet, listen up. Steve is an absolute Jedi. His tips are always bang on. Don’t think people. Just Listen, do, and repeat. 👍🏼
Just did this on my gf's Yamaha xj600s and it worked like a charm. The only thing is that the sparkplug hole was too narrow, deep and stuffed away to fit a needle nose inside so I figured I would just try and blow out the shrapnel with a compressor without using the paper tissue. for now it has worked brilliantly, just really hope there won't be any damage in the long run...
I once had a plug blow out no thread left ! Simply found a bigger plug and recut to size . Wrong grade but worked for years
I just stripped the spark plug threads on my 6.75hp B&S engine and I was kind of disappointed not knowing what I was going to. Well, thanks to your video I now have a way forward. I was even considering scrapping the engine but, not anymore. Thanks.
You're Welcome...
I've tapped car engine heads for spark plug thread inserts without removing the head. Similar procedure but no stuffing paper in the cylinder. Using oil or grease to catch as many chips as possible (removing the tap frequently) then vacuuming out the cylinder to get more then turning over the engine (without starting) with the spark plug out so the chips blow out the hole. Block is iron, head aluminum so it won't hurt anything to get the chips out that way.
I've had great success by cleaning the threads on the plug. Greasing the plug😢and then using JB weld, applying it to the hole threads hand tighten the plug. Leave it in 36hrs. Then remove the plug.
It works on the worst of threads into aluminium.
I’m not going to share his name. Literally 5 seconds later. Thanks Schott for sharing this with me!
OOPS.....
Drinking a Bud this Holliday doing this right now and it worked perfect.Thk you have a great Holliday you saved my engine and wallet.
Thanks, you too!
Thanks Scott! uh I mean Steve...lol Happy New Year!
Cheers from the Laurentians, Quebec.
You're Welcome...
Wow! Thank you so much Steve!! Had a problem with the head on my old Honda CB....after finding I had somehow cross threaded a plug! Having almost finished restoring the bike I really didn’t fancy taking the engine back out and removing the head etc...stubbled across your video, went straight in the garage tried the hack and it worked great!! Problem solved, plus enjoyed a beer at the same time so bonus!
Right on Stevo....
The best thing to do to keep from stripping the threads is start the spark plug by hand & run it as far in as possible before putting wrench on it. Then just snug it down.
... which is exactly what he said in the video lol
Best way is back out after every turn cutting
Thanks!
HOLY SMOKES JAMES! Thank you so much. That is very generous...
You're very welcome Steve, your video about cutting slots into the spark plug and using it as a tap worked like a charm. I actually cut 5 slots to give me more cutting edges. I used it in a Chrysler 3.8 V6. I was worried about how to repair it and you saved me a lot of time and labor. Thanks again, have a Merry Christmas. I love you man, lol.
Right on Buddy! Funny enough I just did that again TODAY on a chainsaw and worked perfectly AGAIN...
Nice little tip. Thanks to the unmentioned Scott
Right on...
Did this on a 86 c4 vett worked great. Appreciate you.
Great to hear!
Mate you sound like a true Aussie measuring time with beers.
Right on...
Thank you very much for the great hack,following you from New-Brunswick 🤟🏻
Happy to help!
The flutes in a tap are for clearing swarf.
Thats what your girlfriend says about you..
This is a first. How cool is that, a spark plug turned into a tap. Like the Idea of the paper towel also.
Steve I haven't seen your shop but if you are still working [I quit and just drink beer by the way]
look into a hand held vacuum cleaner that hooks up to an air line[ Blue point ].
Years ago I had two, one with the zipper bag stuffed full of tissue for absorbing oil and grease. You probably have one and I hope my comments are In line with all of your intentions.
Love this stuff
A great tip as usual Steve, by the way Steve I like a drop of cider when I tinker in my workshop! Somerset mike.
Bumper season here in Australia at the moment, grass as high as the mower. This trick bailed me out! Thanks.
Glad to help
Car, motorcycle, chainsaw, lawnmowers, always back thread till you feel the "click" then screw in your spark plug. I haven't had problems with spark plugs in decades.
What do you mean please?
@@jayvalentine7080 start the bolt by turning it backwards until you feel the threads click together. I think.
lr lrs yes that is what he is talking about I’m a plumber and it works great. I cross thread very little. But in my situation it’s on a car hard to reach hole I can barely screw forwards let alone back to feel a click, and even if I do I have no idea if is going straight it could be at a slight angle since i can’t see it
What a great idea.You're a lot smarter than I look! Thanks Steve.
Glad to help
Steve, Steve, Steve, Steve, Steve! Just one thing I'd like to take issue with. Now, you've given some misleading advice there.....you said you'd consider this to be a two beer job....hmmm, I'd be telling my wife, "you know I love you, but baby, this is big! I'll do my best but this looks like a 3 to 4 beer scenario!" I'm just saying Steve....we need to be more realistic here! Aside from that....brilliant! Best from the UK bruv (via Perth, Australia til Friday!)
LOL, sorry about that Dave! I will try harder in the future...
David Hillam
Man I agree. Steve should do some kind of code that we all understand. Like taking how many beers it will really take and quadrupling it. That way we can show the video to our wives as proof. Couple handy little tips that have helped me in the past. Grab a hammer and every half hour or so beat on a piece of metal and scream a few curse words even better if you have a grinder, just taking a little piece of scrap and do the same also, never do the entire job all at once. Make sure you leave a few pieces still taken apart, that way when she walks in she won't find your engine put back together with you still drinking beer. Also, if you can master the sad disgruntled face, you may even be able to get her to drive to the store and grab you even more beer!
LMFAO Jon, YOU just taught me something very valuable....
Steve's Small Engine Saloon
Hahaha! I just laughed so hard I almost fell over! Like you said, we all gotta learn from each other :-)
@@jontheroofer1968 Good stuff Jon.....very useful for us married beer drinkers.
You’re rock. Just tried and it works thanks so much Steve.
Great to hear!
Omg Steve you weren't supposed to say Scott's name Scott howwww 👍
Oops....
Hi Steve, your techinique makes sense , I am going to try it . One thing to add is if you apply some grease on the tissue after it is inserted down the hole , it should trap any fallen bits of metal .
Great idea
Great trick but reusing the spark plug with cut threads is asking for trouble. Why not throw it away?? Most spark plugs for small engines cost less then $5
Wow thanks man!!! Will definitely use this hack/trick on my bike. Saves a lot of time and money. Thank you!.
Glad it helped!
A trick I use to get metal filings / shavings out of the cylinder when they sneak past the preventative measures on spark plug hole repairs is to use about a foot of 3/8'' inside diameter tubing, duct or electrical tape to the end of a Shop Vac while also making an air seal, and vacuum the shavings out. Sometimes, I will cut the threads dry (grease makes vacuum pick up difficult) with the piston at BDC and simply vacuum the shavings out by putting the 3/8'' tubing down in the cylinder when I am finished. I use a powerful flashlight and sometimes a bore scope to check the cylinder through the spark plug hole to make sure I got all the shavings. CAUTION: be sure that there is no fuel fumes in the engine!!! Those and vacuums don't play well together. Usually, engines that need spark plug hole rejuvenation haven't run for a while, so there is a decreased
Never would have thought to do that awesome idea and im goin to try it now. Thanks
Have fun!
I just bought a car with a stipped spark plug (old owner said it had no problems but the plugs and wires are brand new so he definitely knew) I bought a save a thread kit already but i might try this first. Might save me having to helicoil it. Thanks
Share your beer with me
Saweet
Right on...
Never seen that trick. Beer and small engines. I love it. Thanks
Right on