spark plug thread stripped in head please help

[Team McGeorge]

hi all, went to change the spark plugs on my sons nc30 race bike and found one of the plugs have stripped the thread in the head (the silly feker that i bought it from failed to mention it dick) i have a spare engine could i do a straight swop is it just a case of fitting a new head gasket? its just that he needs the bike running for next weekend for the practice before the season starts .all info is more than welcome thanks for your time folks . cheers gary

[amaechizzle]

If the spare engine is in good nick, I would pull the head off and swap em.

BUT, you should definately send it to an engine specialist and get it serviced!

Plus new head gasket, hey, check your valve clearances, and port and polish for extra oomf!

[royster81]

If the other spare motor runs why take the head off it, why not just fit it instead and when the damaged head motor is it get it sorted

[CRM]

Dont tell me, you bought the engine from someone on the wirral a few weeks ago ?

[royster81]

Dont tell me, you bought the engine from someone on the wirral a few weeks ago ?

Oh dear, what's that mean ......

[amaechizzle]

If the other spare motor runs why take the head off it, why not just fit it instead and when the damaged head motor is it get it sorted

Even then, its alot easier swapping heads then engines.

[hardnutdvd]

this months Practical Sportsbike magazine actually shows how this can be repaired with a purpose bought kit...

[Drunkn Munky]

this months Practical Sportsbike magazine actually shows how this can be repaired with a purpose bought kit...

Good idea but i think you'd be better off tapping a new thread rather than using a helicoil, helicoils are great but for something thats removed quite often its not a good idea as the coils can work loose.

[royster81]

If the other spare motor runs why take the head off it, why not just fit it instead and when the damaged head motor is it get it sorted

Even then, its alot easier swapping heads then engines.

You think, swapping a motor is going to cost you nothing more than a few exhaust gaskets, some fresh oil and a filter, and some time.

Price up a new head gasket, shims if needed, hassle of trying to work around the frame and there is more scope for things to go wrong, like setting the riming wrong, snapping a cam shaft, I'd swap the motor every time and like I said, once it's out it's easier to work on and it can be done at your leisure

[Drunkn Munky]

what royster said, trust me i was in this situation a couple of weeks ago. its much cheaper and easier to swap the complete motor than it is to mess about swapping heads.