4.2 Series 1 Spark Plug Thread Tap

Technical advice Q&A

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gmunro
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Joined: Mon Apr 07, 2014 4:34 pm
Location: Hillsborough, Northern Ireland
Great Britain

#1 4.2 Series 1 Spark Plug Thread Tap

Post by gmunro » Thu Sep 10, 2015 11:52 am

Hi. Can someone please advise me what size of tap I should use to run down the spark plug thread on my 4.2 Series 1 head? Should the tap be imperial or are they all metric? Where can I obtain such a tap?

Any assistance will be much appreciated.

Kind regards,

George

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Moeregaard
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#2

Post by Moeregaard » Thu Sep 10, 2015 12:33 pm

The correct thread is 14mm X 1.25mm, and any good tool supplier should be able to provide the tap. Re-tapping the threads might buy you some time, but if they're damaged the only permanent solution is to install inserts (Helicoil, etc.).
Mark (Moe) Shipley
Former owner '66FHC, #1E32208
Former owner '65FHC, #1E30036

Planning on getting E-Type No. 3 as soon as possible....

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Topic author
gmunro
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Location: Hillsborough, Northern Ireland
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#3 4.2 Series 1 Spark Plug Tap

Post by gmunro » Thu Sep 10, 2015 12:44 pm

Thanks Mark for the advice.

The threads are not damaged but when the head was painted, I can see some paint has gone into the spark plug holes. I just want to "clean" the threads up a bit.

Your advice is much appreciated.

Kindest regards,

George

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abowie
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#4

Post by abowie » Thu Sep 10, 2015 9:28 pm

One trick would be to cut a couple of lengthwise grooves in the thread of an old plug with a Dremel. Then grease it (to catch the swarf) and install then remove it.
Andrew.
881824, 1E21538. 889457. 1961 4.3l Mk2. 1975 XJS. 1979 MGB (supercharged).
Adelaide, Australia

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Topic author
gmunro
Posts: 119
Joined: Mon Apr 07, 2014 4:34 pm
Location: Hillsborough, Northern Ireland
Great Britain

#5 Series 1 4.2 spark plug thread tap

Post by gmunro » Fri Sep 11, 2015 7:40 am

Hi Andrew,

Thanks for the idea ...... I'll give it a try.

Yours aye,

George

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