[Derek Hanna]

Has anybody found an economical thread repair kit for glow plugs? References to other posts on this forum indicate that I require a 1/4" X 32 tpi helicoil. (NEF thread) but I haven't connected with a supplier.
The motor requiring repair is a Magnum 52 FS, so if anybody has a spare head or a parts motor that they're not using, they should send me a PM.

[stegl]

there used to be helicoils available for that size.... maybe just do some googleing to locate.
I tried Google and all sorts of links came up....choose one that suits your fancy and the way you go. You will have to go as a kit as you will need the tools to tap and fix.

[Derek Hanna]

I've searched and the lowest price parts that I've found are a "Recoil" kit from blindrivetsupply.com at US$38 plus shipping. I just don't like these economics for repairing an older used Magnum glow engine.
If anybody here has already invested in an equivalent kit, they may be able to sell me the required insert or repair my cylinder head for a more modest cost.
Otherwise, I'm just retiring the motor and/or holding till I have another motor requiring this same repair.

[4*60]

Clarence Lee. A friend sent a motor in and paid postage to destination and then I think $20 US included the fix and return. Clarence does it mostly for fun from what I understand.
From an ad in Model airplane News
LEE CUSTOM ENGINES . Original ringed K&B 61s are
back in production. Custom versions selectively hand-fit
and assembled by designer Clarence Lee complete with
muffler, PDP (Perry Directional Porting) and now equipped
with a Perry carburetor - $165.00 plus $12.00 shipping.
Your new or near new K&B 61 Customized including PDP
- $28.50 plus $12.00 shipping. C. F. Lee Mfg. Co. 10112
Woodward Ave., Sunland, CA 91040. ( 818 ) 352-3766.

[aceplant00]

new head with valves 55 bucks

[aspeed]

Just so you know, there is also a Timesert which give a better leak free thread than a Helicoil. It is not any cheaper though.

[stegl]

But either way you end up with a better than new setup. In years past there were some model engines that had a brass insert already installed in the cylinder head making it almost impossible to strip threads but didn't stop the cross threading though.

[Derek Hanna]

Thanks for the input fellows. I didn't realize that Clarence is still doing active repairing motors so will keep this in mind. One of the local guys offered me a a used Magnum 52 for a very good price, so the repair options I've seen may not be the economical solution. I'll be keep mine as a spares motor only.

[tskca]

some fliers put the plug onto the end of a piece of fuel tube when inserting the plug and there's no chance that the threads would be ruined.
Someone sent me a glow plug tap which I have no idea what it would be used for.

[aspeed]

Originally Posted by tskca

Someone sent me a glow plug tap which I have no idea what it would be used for.

I have used the tap for making conversion heads on the little Cox motors with the one piece heads, as well as experimenting with making new heads. I do have a lathe though.