Will cylinder head replacement solve my problems?

[inkycavz24]

I have a 2.8L engine in my Cav, and I found out the hard way that the #1 spark plug hole was stripped out. At this time I noticed valve tapping/sticking sounds, as well as a slight knock in the #1 cylinder. I am assuming that the knock was from the spark plug not being in the proper position because of the hole being stripped out. I am currently in the process of replacing the heads, and before I spend the money on the heads I wanted to ask if replacing the heads will cure the problem or if I'm screwed and have to replace the engine.

[gpse3400]

RE: Will cylinder head replacement solve my problems?

That knocking/tapping noise IS FROM the sparky not being tight enough. They make sounds like that where they are loose. Anyways you can repalce the head or you could use a thread insert....which the PROPER way to install the insert is to remove the head....

[inkycavz24]

One of my friends who is a mechanic says that the thread inserts dont really work well, and that they will come out as well. So I will go ahead and replace the heads

[gpse3400]

eeh I'd say they work. If done properly I had it done a while back. seemed to last well over a 100,000miles....But alas cylinder heads are cheap enough for these motors.

[imported_germ]

i have one of the inserts on one of my heads and i pushing 10+ psi on the heads and not once had an issue


if the insert is done right it will not fail. the key is using some type of perminate thread sealer. i used JB Weld lol.

[inkycavz24]

Interesting. Well since i already turned in my old heads as core, I'll still be buying the heads. Thanks for the info.

[Juglenaut]

I take it you made up your mind 30 seconds after posting lol.

I have got one repaired sparky hole.

[inkycavz24]

No, I just wanted to make sure that I would have no problems after I replaced my heads; also to make sure I wouldn't have to buy a new engine because of some problem I did not see. That was the main question.