How will loose spark plug affect running

[landofskysailor]

I have an '84 Seahorse 8 hp. Top piston has the spark plug hole cross threaded pretty bad but it has held the plug in and the motor has been running about teh last 15-20 hours this way. It seeped just a bit over that time because I have been afraid to overtighten teh spark plug as long as it ran OK.<br /><br />Now the motor cut out after about 5 minutes of idleing and will cough and try to start but not quite. It is getting fuel and in fact the spark plug hole is weeping mix more than ever (still afraid of tightening it too hard). Seems to me (not an epert) it should still run (at least on the other piston) if it is getting fuel and spark regardless of a little compression/fuel mix loss.<br /><br />My question is: could this be the cause of it not running at all or is it likely something else (like the carb)? IF I need to clean and check the carb settings, can this be done without a manual? Any tips on settings? If I pull it off will I need a gasket to remount the carb? <br /><br />Thanks for any direction on this. This forum is great!!!!!

 

[Basscat 1]

Re: How will loose spark plug affect running

There is no right way to do a wrong thing.<br />Fix the stripped plug and chances are your problem will be solved.

 

[landofskysailor]

Re: How will loose spark plug affect running

OK. So now the question becomes...If I am still getting a OK bite on the plug, should I use a thread tool to try and reset the threads or do I need to go the full 9 yards and put a heliocoil in it? I know I have to take the head off for a coil but what about if I use a threading tool?

 

[Cricket Too]

Re: How will loose spark plug affect running

If you try to use a threading tool with the head on, your gonna get shavings in the cylinder and you'll have bigger problems. Just pull the head and try it out, it's an easy thing to pull.

 

[landofskysailor]

Re: How will loose spark plug affect running

Thanks. Anyone know the cheapest on-line place for a head gasket? I have one marine store here and they are high.

 

[buddyholly]

Re: How will loose spark plug affect running

if you can get the motor on its back( plug hole facing down) and if you apply grease to the thread chaser you have a good chance of not getting any chips in the motor. also after finishing use a blow gun to insure that everything isremoved.