BSA Owners' Club Workshop Discussions

The BSA Workshop => Twins => Topic started by: DAVE BRADY on 25 Mar, 2024, 16:38

Title: Blown out spark plug repair insert
Post by: DAVE BRADY on 25 Mar, 2024, 16:38
Hi,

Me again.  Just getting my wife's A10 head sorted when yesterday riding back from the Lincs. Branch Sunday meet at Heckington Mill when disaster struck.
The head was just due to be retorqued after some head work and after a great ride with the bike feeling really great a change in engine sound signalled a major problem.
At first I thought the head gasket had blown but it was a previously repaired spark plug insert that had given up the ghost. 
We managed to get home but now a better more permanent repair job is needed. 

Dave.
Title: Re: Blown out spark plug repair insert
Post by: Allan G on 25 Mar, 2024, 22:27
Timesert. Especially if you didn't use one before.
Title: Re: Blown out spark plug repair insert
Post by: DAVE BRADY on 26 Mar, 2024, 08:30
Hi Allan,

I have read that Timesert is the best one to go for but it has had and insert before so the thread in the head for the Timesert may not be good enough.  It probably needs a more permanent solution.

Dave.
Title: Re: Blown out spark plug repair insert
Post by: Allan G on 26 Mar, 2024, 09:36
Aluminium or iron head Dave?

You can get inserts to replace failed inserts. Can't remember if timesert do then, however if you do go that route I can recommend them. I fitted 6x M8 timeserts on a crane testing engine about 7 years ago. They have stood up very well that I know of.

If it's an iron head, might be high time to find another one.
Title: Re: Blown out spark plug repair insert
Post by: DAVE BRADY on 26 Mar, 2024, 10:22
Hi,

This is on an A65 head.  A heftier inset may work if I can find some other wise I may be able to find an equivalent 18mm plug.  Failing that it will be head off and take it to an expert for a proper job. 

Dave.
Title: Re: Blown out spark plug repair insert
Post by: iansoady on 26 Mar, 2024, 11:15
I don't know where you are but Simon at Nametab Engineering in Redditch has done a few one-off jobs for me and I can vouch for his skill. Reasonable prices as well. 01527 510435.

Title: Re: Blown out spark plug repair insert
Post by: DAVE BRADY on 26 Mar, 2024, 11:39
Hi,

Thanks.
I am in North Lincs so bit far unless I get desperate.

Dave.
Title: Re: Blown out spark plug repair insert
Post by: Allan G on 26 Mar, 2024, 12:35
Dave, am I correct thinking it's single carb?. If so is it oif or pre oif?

If you have an oif rocker cover, I have a head you can have FOC. It's a good head, but the post for the 1/4" stud has been broken off at some time. It also doesn't have the manifold, but your existing one will fit.
Title: Re: Blown out spark plug repair insert
Post by: DAVE BRADY on 26 Mar, 2024, 13:07
Hi Allan,

The head is single carb and OIF so my rocker cover will fit.  Your offer is very generous.  Obviously I will cover any postage.

Dave.
Title: Re: Blown out spark plug repair insert
Post by: Allan G on 26 Mar, 2024, 13:51
GREAT!

Just forward me your address, give me a day or 3 to dig it out and I'll get it off to you. Incidently I have been around your neck of the woods today (I think)
Title: Re: Blown out spark plug repair insert
Post by: DAVE BRADY on 24 Apr, 2024, 18:47
Hi,

An update on this is that the head is now repaired.  As it had already had inserts fitted a repair using 'Bigsert' inserts was doine.  These are 'Timesert' items specially for this job.
The work was undertaken by The Cylinder Head Shop and it looks proper - check out the website.  Just need to get it back on the bike and get riding.

Dave.
Title: Re: Blown out spark plug repair insert
Post by: Allan G on 25 Apr, 2024, 09:00
Nice one dave. Apologies, I still haven't found the other head.
Title: Re: Blown out spark plug repair insert
Post by: DAVE BRADY on 25 Apr, 2024, 10:47
Hi Allan,

If you find it I will have go at repairing it.  The repair I did on head bolt hole worked so the 1/4" fixing for the rocker cover should be doable.

Dave.