Stripped Plug Hole b59 Gale Sea King 35HP

[Mike Morasci]

Just got a "free motor&#3

Just got a "free motor" with the purchase of a used trailer and one of the spark plug holes is stripped out. My local shops tell me that Heli-Coils don't work and they wont install them. Any ideas short of trying to find a new head? I've thought about either JB Weld in a Heli-Coil or even tapping out the 14mm Hole to an 18mm if the appropriate plug is available. I don't have any experience with either and don't want to do something "stupid". Engine is a 1959 Gale (Sea-King) 35HP Model GG8997B. If a new Head is my only option where do I find onefor low $'s (ha hah). Thanks

 

[sparky]

helicoils will work as long a

helicoils will work as long as the plug is not removed too often. Put grease on the tap to catch the swarf and it will save having to install a new head gasket.

 

[joereeves]

"Mike..... Strange that the sh

"Mike..... Strange that the shop won't install a 14mm stainless steel heli coil. They hold up fine if they're installed properly, and last forever. I've never had a proplem with any ever coming loose. A heli coil can be installed easily without removing the cylinder head. There are two different lengths of those 14mm heli coils... I believe one is a 3/8" reach, with the other being a 1/2" reach. Yours would in all probability be a 3/8" reach. If you've already taken the head off, that makes it all the easier. Check with your local auto parts store for the heli coil kit, or ask what their machinist would charge to install one. You just might get luckly.

Joe (30+ Years With OMC)"

 

[John Mathews]

" I just had the same problem

" I just had the same problem with the head from a Force
50 HP engine. I took the head down to the local head rebuild shop. They don't do boat engines but agreed to fix the stripped out threads for me and check it for cracks. The repair was to fill in the holes completely with aluminum weld and then re drill and re tap the threads. It looks brand new, no leaky heli coils and they checked it for warps and cracks while they were there. This cost me $25 bucks. If you can't find any shop there I'll send you these folks address - - they do a large amount of work via UPS anyway. "