grogetr sawguy
ArboristSite Member
A friend has a ms311 that spit the spark plug out and stripped the threads out. Can the hole have a helicoil put in it? Has anyone done this before and is it much trouble? Thanks
stihl ms311 spark plug hole
- Thread starter grogetr sawguy
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Right person can absolutely do that and it does work good but a threaded insert is even better as sparkplugs require them to be removed and replaced .
I've replaced the threads with inserts on VW engines with no problem. NAPA sells the kit and they're easy to install.
Just a note to anyone doing a insert job, it only takes a short insert on a chainsaw cylinder, the inserts come in differing lengths so just size them lengthwise to the depth of the sparkplug being used. I have come across two cylinders now where the insert used was too long and the piston was hitting them.
grogetr sawguy
ArboristSite Member
Local shop is putting insert in for less than we could buy the kit for so just letting them do it. Thanks
For a one time deal you have gone the best route, the kits are expensive and overkill if one is not doing these repairs often. I cringe to think of how much I have tied up in kits and install tools.
I bought the Save A Thread kit and did four so far. Had to buy another pack of shortys.[emoji108]
Now on loan to another member. [emoji106]
Bought my first kit back in the 90`s to do sparkplug threads in aluminum head car engines, just spread and multiplied from there and of course into chainsaws and outboards. Kits for M 4,5 6 , 1/8, 1/4, 3/16"and 3/8"in multiple makers product.
On the Stihl saws I don't bother with the threads, I just replace the cylinder...
I find all of the cylinder makes easy enough to do the inserts on, hardest one yet was an IEL HM as the plug goes in side on making combustion chamber roof a problem for the threader.
I have the kit and have put at least five in the last couple of years. I have had good luck with all of them, but one. The main thing is to set the insert after it is in with the expanding tool and to either put Yamabond or JB weld on the threads gas/air pressure can come through the threads and lower compression. The one I had problems with was a Remington 5520 as the cylinder was made in Taiwan and the threads were so soft when trying to set the insert it stripped them again. A POS
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Helicoil-5...gkAAMXQLs5Rxb-a:sc:USPSFirstClass!24281!US!-1
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Helicoil-5...gkAAMXQLs5Rxb-a:sc:USPSFirstClass!24281!US!-1
I always seal the inserts in, had no leaks thus far. That looks like a good simple kit to use and priced much lower than any kit I have used to date, thanks for the link.
If I remember correctly I may have put something like Red Locktite on the inserts, but of course it's been over twenty years...
