Blown out spark plug repair insert

[DAVE BRADY]

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.

[Allan G]

Timesert. Especially if you didn't use one before.

[DAVE BRADY]

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.

[Allan G]

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.

[DAVE BRADY]

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.

[iansoady]

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.

[DAVE BRADY]

Hi,

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

Dave.

[Allan G]

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.

[DAVE BRADY]

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.

[Allan G]

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)

[DAVE BRADY]

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.

[Allan G]

Nice one dave. Apologies, I still haven't found the other head.

[DAVE BRADY]

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.