Stripped Head

[arod_12]

I was driving home today and there was a loud pop and then banging when I popped the hood it turned out that the third spark plug, closest to the back had come out when I tried to put it back in, the hole on the head was striped. Can I fix this without taking the head off, I just replaced the head gasket and don't want to take it all apart again. It is a 1992 Suzuki sidekick with a 1.6 liter 8v and 5spd 4x4

[riley]

Was the plug cross threaded? If it was you may be able to chase the threads with a tap. Otherwise you can install a helicoil, both jobs can be done without removing the head. Just google spark plug thread repair and you should get some help. If uncertain practice on an scrap head first.

[arod_12]

the spark plug looks fine, but the spark plug slides in on out of the hole like there if no thread.

[the flying scotsman]

I just fixed 2 heads w/ same issue- there are repair kits w/ a 2 stage tap and inserts which are then screwed in and staked or spread w/ another tool like a punch in the kit. I take the head off to tap from combustion chamber side but if there is room, tap w/ head in place. Put piston at TDC and blow out any small aluminum chips from the tap. Red LocTite would hold the insert as well. These inserts come in short and long reach sizes.

[arod_12]

I bought a thread repair kit but now I am wondering when I tap the head will the metal fillings fall into the cylinders and if so will it cause any or much damage.

[the flying scotsman]

Any chips created will be aluminum and melted and/or blown out the exhaust.