GM 2.2L ecotec, damaged plug threads

[ForYourOwnGood]

Hey guys, trying to get a second opinion. I just decided to change the plugs on my 07 Malibu daily driver, and found out whoever changed them last used anti-seize and overtorqued them which damages the threads.

3 came out OK, but one has some damage to it. I scoped it out and the bottom 1/2 of the threads (to the cylinder) are fine, but up in the middle of the top half there are about two completely ruined threads. I'm feeling like since the threads closest to the engine are fine I can get away with chasing the top half out with an M14x1.25 tap with some grease on it to collect most of the shavings rather than putting an insert.

Anyone think this is a bad idea? Should I just go for the insert? The head is aluminum. :cheers:

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[ForYourOwnGood]

Well nobody dissuaded me, so I went ahead and did it. Chased it down with a tap and then a hardened plug thread chaser, cleaned out the chips on the top of the piston and put the plug in. Seated nicely all the way down by hand, I'll have to take it for a long drive this weekend so I can see if its going to blow out on me, I still don't like the look of the threads.

 

[Hack]

Good luck with it! I think you did the right thing rather than going right to a thread insert to repair it. Try the less intrusive method first.

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