helicoils/timeserts

[Gandi699]

A mate of mine just text me to say hes popped a spark plug out of his 08 plate 1.8 focus. Threaded the spark plug hole etc. Would a timesert or helicoil be up to the job or just source a new head? I'd personally plump for the latter if it was my car.
I doubt i'll be fixing it mind just want to give him some advice

[welshpug]

Timesert is very strong, shouldn't have any issues once it is repaired as long as whoever does it knows what they are doing

[Gandi699]

is it a cylinder head off job, I'm assuming it is due to swarf unless you want to run the risk or can suck it out with a hoover or a magnet?

[citroensaxo]

Dear Gandi699,
If it was my car, I would put the piston 3/4 of the way up the cylinder and insert a strip of rag in on top of the piston and then turn the engine over by hand until it reaches TDC. The people doing the helicoiling should be able to eliminate any swarf from getting into the plug hole, with grease normally.
Vince,

[Gandi699]

Yeah ive read about the grease, I wont be doing this job most likely but if I do get asked its nice to know what people recommend. I wonder how much a garage are likely to try and charge? Providing he cant get it done for free as compensation as I think its a garage who put the plugs in (incorrectly)

[citroensaxo]

Dear Gandi699,
Some garages are bu**ers these days.
How long ago did they fit the plugs then ?
You can always try R.O.F.W, rectification of faulty workmanship , I would, you have nothing to loose and could gain everything.
Vince,

[Gandi699]

I dont know to be honest waiting to hear back from him. Happened on the m6 earlier on so I assume it fired out there. I'd imagine thats ripped the threads out, as I managed to knacker threads just being a bit over zealous when installing plugs a few years ago. Luckily that engine was a shitter though :(

[Gandi699]

They've quoted him 700 quid to have the head off and fit a helicoil

[citroensaxo]

Dear Gandi699,
So I presume that his car broke-down on the motorway ? So his car would have had to have been recovered by a breakdown company then.
Personally, I have been a mechanic since I was 15 in 1977 working on Citroens/ SAABs/ Vauxhalls. I had to stop work at 40 due to Huntingtons Chorea in 2001.
I only use a 3/8th drive dumpy ratchet to tighten spark plugs up, plus I always use copper grease on the threads. They don,t even bother greasing them these days
I would stick to your guns and don,t budge until they sort it for free, spark plugs don,t change themselves do they, and don,t go back there again
I really hate cars breaking down, it is embarassing, costly, never nice.
Vince,

[citroensaxo]

Dear Gandi699,
F*** me, staying calm, I would contract trading standards and hand the caes over to them, personally
I would be prepared to go to court over it, get a good solicitor from London if necessary.
Vince,

[citroensaxo]

Dear Gandi699,
Secondly, you may want to try and ring another helicoil company, to find out why it is that the helicoiling can,t be done without the removal of the cylinder head. Is due to inaccessability or some other reason.
I would have thought personally that fitting a helicoil to an aluminium head would only cost about £50 Plus vat.
Vince,

[josh11490]

I paid £40 to get an insert put in my vtr when I threaded it, didnt take the head off.

[stevo67]

Jesus £700 for that job,local mechanic charges around £40-£50 for doing that job mate.

[Gandi699]

Haven't heard from the guy so ill see what happens. I get the impression he wants to sell but he'll be making a massive loss in its current state, shame as its a low miles 2008 car

[citroensaxo]

Dear Gandi699,
That is a real shame and something I definately don,t like to see happening.
This is why these forums are here to help anyone who has a problem with their car, garage or both:y:
But please keep us posted.
Vince,

[Gandi699]

Can anyone recommend a garage near birmingham or near bedford that can do this?