Date:         Mon, 27 May 2002 12:28:50 -0400
Reply-To:     "G. Matthew Bulley" <gmbulley@BULLEY-HEWLETT.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         "G. Matthew Bulley" <gmbulley@BULLEY-HEWLETT.COM>
Organization: Bulley-Hewlett
Subject:      Re: Aluminum in the threads
In-Reply-To:  <12484-3CF25BB3-1091@storefull-2357.public.lawson.webtv.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII"

I don't disagree with Bob and the others about pulling plugs on a hot
motor, it can pull the threads. I will say however that I have never,
ever had issues with my plugs on a half dozen type 4 motors I've owned
in the past 20 years, even though I have often pulled them while very
warm.

The trick: I never tighten them down too tight.

My grandfather was a machinist with Chrysler, and gave me a tiny little
(3"?) socket wrench like the one he used for installing plugs. I'd guess
if you REALLY tried, you could get 20lb/feet of torque with this thing.
Typically though, it is just enough to crush the washer, and snug it up.
Never enough to stress the threads, and cause them to release to from
the head.

Pax--

G. Matthew Bulley
Mount Olive, NC


-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM] On Behalf
Of Terry K.
Sent: Monday, May 27, 2002 12:16 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: Aluminum in the threads

>From prior experience ( Triumph BSA, Norton etc.) it is a good idea not
to "crank" them plugs down way too tight----

The threads will pull out of the plug holes, or the damn things will run
out with the plugs the next time you pull them out---

Anti seize is a must in any situation where steel meets
aluminum---period--

 Run the plugs down by hand, with the plug in a socket, put the rachet
on the socket and you'll feel the plug make contact-- and just snug
them----and stop---done.

This is the only way--- to assure them coming out without backing the
threads out too----

It also doesn't make one tinker's damn if the plugs are black annodized
or zinc chromated, or just bright zinc---they all are mild steel, and
will all lock up in the hole if not properly istalled---

You have no idea of how many heli coils I have installed in the heads of
old English bikes because some stroke decided to be Arnold Swartznager
in the installation process--not necessary--

Later,

            ______________
           |[  ] [  ] [ ]\
           |    |    |    |
     ~~~ ~||-(())----(())-|

Terry--

       "Zoom, Zoom, Zoom"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

http://community.webtv.net/CTONLINE/TerrysHighOnLife