I have a 2006 mercury optimax with a stripped out head. My local dealer wants to put an insert in it. Should I be worried or is it a good fix?
I have a 2006 mercury optimax with a stripped out head. My local dealer wants to put an insert in it. Should I be worried or is it a good fix?
Insert is fine.....don't use a wire type Heli-coil.
Thanks I will verify that with the dealer. Is this a common problem ?
No....Somebody didn't know what they were doing. You are talking about sparkplug threads correct????
Yes spark plug threads
I am a master tech with Harley and have been wrenching nearly my entire life. As stated above, do not let them heli-coil the hole. The only fix I recommend for a spark plug hole is a a time-sert. If done properly it will be as good as new and will last just as long. Good luck with the fix
Helicoil should be just fine. Many in use. They are approved for use on piston airplane motors. Don't think an outboard motor repair is as critical.
Timesert and other type of repair should also be just fine.
Of course you can always replace the cylinder head to return the motor to its as new condition.
Just a matter of how much you want to spend.
Helicoil is not a good thread insert. I am a mechanic not marine but I don't like helicoil. They are hella trouble if they do ever mess up.
I think finding a used head would be best, and probably easiest and most efficient way.
"Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak out and remove all doubt."
Insert is fine. It would be overly cautious to replace the head.
Michael Martin
Virginia...now in Maryland
1998 P III, 2006 200 Optimax SOLD
2017 Robalo 226 Cayman, 200 Yamaha 4 stroke
Thanks for all the input the dealer is pulling the head and installing an insert
Perfect.......Make sure he replaces ALL the head bolts on that head.
+1.... 20 head bolts, and 4 seals (total).
Actually threading for the time-sert sleeve can be challenging... many of the tools have a head that will not permit the tool to pass through the combustion chamber side of the head (due to the steep angle the plug is at).
ANGLE is VERY critical here, also (there's not much more than a degree to play with).
DON'T use a helicoil in this application (I personally don't use them for plugs AT ALL, due to a bad experience years ago).
Dual Mercury Master Technician- for Mercury Outboards, Mercruiser and Mercury Racing at European Marine in Greenville, SC.
Still consider myself a "Marine Apprentice" after 47 years (learn something new every day).
Mercury Parts, Mercury Outboards, Smartcraft & Accessories, Injector Service, TDR Reeds- BBC Sponsor
Again..a used or even new head is a no brainer here. It eliminates so many errors that could happen. New or used head, new bolts, new seals, torque wrench and 2 hours and its done..right the first time.
"Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak out and remove all doubt."
New insert was installed .I won't be able to test run til spring. Thanks for all the input