so i've done alot to the z28 since me and my fiance bought it for 1200 dollars.
it first needed a trans rebuild, then it was dying and not starting up again, so i swapped out the optispark, and put cooling compound on the ICM, i also put new plugs and wires in, also redid all the grounds.

So now im at the last thing. It ended up being the first spark plug on the left side of the engine (facing the car with hood up) has stripped. The plug that was in that one was shot, and was only in like 3 threads deep. I took it out and tryed to put another in, and its a no go. same thing, it goes in about 4 threads deep and gets really hard to turn until it just pops back out lol.
So idk, i think i have to take that exhaust mani off and rethread it of course. Guess ill get some felpro gaskets to stop the exhaust leaks as well

anyone have any encouraging words ? what thread the holes are? i guess ill just check the threads on the plug and do the hole the same thread.

thank you all!

 

goin to college, hopefully someone will tell meh just how bad or good i have it right now

 

I'm sure someones had that happen

 

14x1.25 its been crossthreaded. probly be best to try a spark plug hole chaser so any loss of metal will be minimum. you will want to vacuum as much metal shavings as possible outa the cylinder.

 

Thanks friend, that's all the info I needed :] I just got done cleaning the valves on my mazdaspeed 6 and rigged this sweet vacuum to reech deep into the head, so ill use it in the spark bile

 

I have a few different spark plug thread chasers. They work great anytime the threads are messed up or just carboned up. After using the chaser a plug will thread in up to the taper/gasket by hand.

Good luck!

 

sweet :] i dont even have to remove the header i dont think. 1Auga, can u specify which one youd recommend? or ill rent yours. idc

 

Been there, had that, when a previous owner must have installed a plug from up top with a socket, instead of from below by hand where it was more accessible. Picked up a spark plug thread chaser (an inexpensive tool) and it straightened the threads right out. The fact yours only goes in a few threads could be a salvation, and the threads below that point might not be damaged. My crossed plug was about 3/4's of the way in, but it was still saved. Then for some extra peace of mind, I found a different brand of spark plug that had a little longer threaded shank, to catch more good threads. Not all plugs are exactly the same. Also, put some grease on the thread chaser before you crank it in. That will lube the threads, and hang on to the metal bits to help prevent them from falling into the cylinder. Go in a little at a time with the chaser, back it out, wipe it off, and regrease.

 

be VERY careful removing that exhaust manifold, those bolts tend to break off in the head

 

69 very good tip on baacking off after i progress the threads a bit each time. also the grease idea is excellent. hopefully i can get the z28 running smooth tomorrow morning!