Cross threaded spark pug help?

Question

You rarely run into a cross thread but if you do it'll be on a chevy engine block I got to get this van running tonight, what should I do? I'm sure this is a minor situation (not a major thread issue) but it's so difficult to get too it.

Chevy express van 1999 small V8

entry gained by jacking up front. number 2 plug

Answer 1

go to auto zone and get a spark plug thread chaser

Answer 2

ive never had it happen on a chevy.its always been the blocks on the fords.d**n those aluminum blocks.but get a thread chaser.

Answer 3

get your mechanic to re-thead it

Nothing seious  

Answer 4

You are going to need a spark plug "heli coil" You run the tap that comes in the kit into the bad hole, go slow and remove it often to minimize the amount of shavings that fall into the cylinder. Once you have recut the hole, stick a magnet in the hole to grab all you can of what fell in (the parts store will have a retriever magnet on a telescoping pole).

Thread the heli coil into the new threads and the plug will thread into the heli coil.

Do not over torque the plug, 15 to 20 pounds will be sufficient to keep it tight. Napa will have the heli coil kit in stock.

As for the how, you will just have to pull off everything in your way to work the tap with a small crescent wrench. The more time you spend making room the better luck you will have cutting a clean hole and keeping shavings out of the combustion chamber.

Put a good platinum plug in so you won't have to mess with this hole again for 100,000 miles or so.

Good Luck!

EDIT: Well, if you are pretty sure you did not damage the threads much with the cross thread you might try jacking up the front end and removing the passenger wheel. I have done this and removed the inner fender to gain access to harmonic balancers in transverse mounted vehicles. I am not familiar with the specifics of your van but that may give you better access to the 2,4,6,8 plug holes.

Hope that works for you!