1998 BMW 5 Series Logo
Anonymous Posted on Dec 30, 2009

I have a stripped spark plug thread on my 1998 BMW

I have a stripped #5 cylinder spark plug thread on my 1998 BMW 528i. What is the best fix? Helicoil? Timesert? or finding a used head?
The head is being removed to replace the head gasket, so it can be sent out for repair of the spark plug hole if this is the best/cost effective solution.

  • Anonymous Mar 21, 2014

    spark plug hole is stripped

×

1 Answer

Quinn Kessler

Level 2:

An expert who has achieved level 2 by getting 100 points

MVP:

An expert that got 5 achievements.

Governor:

An expert whose answer got voted for 20 times.

Scholar:

An expert who has written 20 answers of more than 400 characters.

  • Expert 85 Answers
  • Posted on Dec 30, 2009
Quinn Kessler
Expert
Level 2:

An expert who has achieved level 2 by getting 100 points

MVP:

An expert that got 5 achievements.

Governor:

An expert whose answer got voted for 20 times.

Scholar:

An expert who has written 20 answers of more than 400 characters.

Joined: Nov 30, 2009
Answers
85
Questions
0
Helped
48924
Points
297

Your most cost effective solution is a Helicoil, A Timesert is about the same maybe a few dollars more but if will be a better fix than the Helicoil. The next two options are the used head or if it is being removed a machine shop could build up and redrill and thread the hole (like new). Myself I would probably be satisfied with a good installation of the time sert but it might be a time well spent to see how much another head or the machine shop repair is going to cost you.

Testimonial: "good advice!"

Add Your Answer

×

Uploading: 0%

my-video-file.mp4

Complete. Click "Add" to insert your video. Add

×

Loading...
Loading...

Related Questions:

1helpful
3answers

I have a 2000 Volkswagen Beetle 2.0 5 speed the number 2 cylinder keeps blowing the spark plug out of the hole what would cause that and how to fix it?

The spark plug should not come out if it is the proper application spark plug with the correct torque. Sounds as if the plug hole may have damaged/stripped threads which can lead to a costly repair. There is an alternative repair for this without removing the cylinder head. A Heli-coil can be installed into the damaged plug hole. If installed correctly, this repair can last the life of the vehicle at a fraction of the cost
tip

Removal and installing spark plugs properly.

When I went into the local auto parts store, I asked the clerk about a specific spark plug. The clerk gave me the info, and then continued to tell me how the owner of the pick up truck in the parking lot had just bought a set of eight plugs and then when he removed the plugs from the engine, all eight of the spark plug access threads in the engine were stripped.
PROBLEM: the engine was hot when the owner removed the plugs.
SOLUTION: Always wait several hours (depending upon the outside air temperature) BEFORE removing spark plugs. ALSO, there is a gel available for coating the spark plug threads before installing them in the engine specifically for preventing spark plugs from freezing or adhering to the threads in the cylinder heads. Since spark plugs last so much longer now than they did in the past, they may remain in the engine as long as 50,000 miles. This gel is one method, in addition to cooling the engine from 5 to 8 hours to prevent stripping the threads in the cylinder heads.
0helpful
1answer

Fixed coil on 2002 expedition, now spark plug was stripped or blown out now need to get new spark plug in

There are kits for stripped out spark plug
threads in the cylinder heads

Google the issue, lots to read
2helpful
1answer

How to replace 1998 BMW 528i Front Wiper Motor, Where is it located my front wipers don't work and I was told it's the Motor gone bad? Thanks

might be a relay, here is a thread that will assist you, Tim:

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showthread.php?t=263500
0helpful
1answer

Its a 1998 528i bmw that will start but wont stay running also there is a loud kind of backfire noise from one of the cylinders . the engine wont rev up proper even though i keep pressing the throttle...

The fact that you have a backfire noise that you can trace to just one cylinder makes it sound like a spark plug could be loose or broken. Pull out your spark plugs and examine them. On a '98, that eill mean pulling off the plastic cover, then removing the coils (need a 10mm socket, be careful with the ground wires) and then reach down in with a small spark plug socket on a long extension.
Also, look for a massive air leak on the intake. Take apart the air tubes from the air filter up to the throttle body looking for air leaks. You could also have a leak at the intake manifold gasket but you may need help to check for that.
2helpful
1answer

Spark plug tube striped spark plug jumped out of tube

The issue seems to be related to the spark plug threads. The spark plug is either not tightened down or the threads are stripped, and during the compression stroke when pressure is applied inside the combustion chamber, the pressure leaks thru the spark plug threads and blows off the spark plug boot. If the spark plug is not tightened and the threads are ok, then tightening the plug will resolve this issue. If the spark plug threads are damaged, then the threads will need to be repaired, and will require the cylinder head to be removed to repair the stripped threads. Taking the cylinder head off requires the engine's top end to be ripped apart and re-assembled....big job.
1helpful
1answer

Replacing spark plugs

Not exactly sure what you need?
Standard Rules:
Use a Spark Plug Socket to remove and install Spark Plugs.
Replace (remove) one Wire at a time from one Spark Plug.
Replace One Spark Plug at a time. Use Anti-Seize Grease applied moderately to the threads on the new Spark Plug.
Using a Socket (with a extension) START all installations using your hands. This prevents cross-threading and stripping of the threads inside the Heads.
Standard Torque 15-20 ft-lbs.
Replace the One Wire connection to that One Spark Plug.
Replace that One Wire connection to the Ignition Coil.
Go onto the next Spark Plug using the above Rules.
Repeat.

For the 3.4L V6:
Firing Order:
1-2-3-4-5-6
Cylinders:
......(back)
1.......3.......5
2.......4.......6
......(front)
Ignition Coil Connections:
............(back)
.|.5..2.|..|.3..6.|..|.4..1.|
............(front)
0helpful
1answer

1998 BMW 528i Electric problem in the dash board

replace relays and fuses for the power seat and windows.change dash light bulbs.if bulbs are good you got wiring problem check ground wires.
Not finding what you are looking for?

454 views

Ask a Question

Usually answered in minutes!

Top BMW Experts

vince

Level 3 Expert

2530 Answers

Steve Sweetleaf
Steve Sweetleaf

Level 3 Expert

1212 Answers

old marine
old marine

Level 3 Expert

2426 Answers

Are you a BMW Expert? Answer questions, earn points and help others

Answer questions

Manuals & User Guides

Loading...