That's right, it's happened to the best mechanics in the world on an old motor, stripped threads while tightening down a spark plug.  If this has happened to you before and you've been quoted upwards of $2,000 to have it fixed, then it's time we look at some options.  There are other fixes available other than just a new header replacement.

In a recent question sent into the Car Talk Guys asks the very question of what could possibly go wrong in a matter of hours and cost $2,000.  They not only suggest getting a second opinion, but to also consider plug inserts.  These inserts replace the once built-in threads that were in the header and the previous spark plugs tightened into.  Typically an insert will cost under $100, making the pain your wallet feels a little more outpatient related than month long sedated.

For more information on fixing your stripped spark plug threads instead of replacing the head, read what TimeSert offers in regards to Spark Plug Thread Repair Kits.  And just like visiting a surgeon or doctor, go for a second opinion instead of forking out unnecessary scrilla.

Also, be sure to read up on why it's important to change your spark plugs regularly.

A spark plug is what fires the gas fumes in your cars engine to give it the power it needs to roll the wheels over. Spark plugs are very important to your car. Most people do not think much of their spark plugs and some probably do not even know what a spark plug is. You are actually supposed to change your spark plugs regularly to keep them working at peak performance but few do this. With standard spark plugs it is said you need to replace them every 45,000 miles and with Platinum spark plugs you need to change them every 100,000 miles. Most just drive their car until it causes them trouble as maintenance is not hardly thought about.

Here are a few reasons why you should change your spark plugs regularly.

1: It keeps your engine working at its peak performance

Your engine has several cylinders in it. Each one has its each spark plug that powers that individual cylinder. If one is bad you may not know it but it can cause that cylinder to
run under performance. This will cause your car to lose horse power and torque. Once several go out you will really begin to notice this.

2: Bad spark plugs can cause your catalytic converter to go out

If your spark plugs are bad your engine can misfire. A missfire can will dump unburned fuel vapors into the catalytic converter which can cause it to overheat and melt down. It may not hurt to misfire a few times but
after several times the heat can cause the catalytic converter to melt down. This will then possible cause a blockage which in turn would cause a loss of power. The blockage would also hurt your fuel economy tremendously.

3: Your car will start easier and faster in the winter

Bad plugs can be work or clogged. This will cause them to work poorly. You may not notice this in the summer months but in the winter when its harder for your motor to crank you may notice it taking longer to crank or not crank at all. Some people may think that its their battery but its really the spark plugs on the vehicle. Sometimes people will try to crank the vehicle so much that it wears the battery down. Since they are not firing properly this can also cause the car to get flooded with gas and that also would make it harder to start.

As you can see keeping your spark plugs in peak condition can save you a lot of trouble and possible a tow bill. Be sure and change them regularly!

Change Spark Plugs