200xs cross threaded plug

[aries ram]

hi all, took my boat to the shop cause it wouldnt run over 3000 rpm. #6 plug was fouled changed it went to river ,ran great, decided to change all the plugs at $18 a piece. when i went to remove the # 4 plug I knew something wasnt right it was cross threaded. 05 200 xs motor has 125 hours ive owned for 50 hours or so .(could that have happened at the factory?) i got it out, got new one in, although i had to really turn on it to get it to seat( others were fine)back to river ...yep wont run again. my question is if that plug angle is different could it cause it to foul that fast or do major damage and is there anyway besides pulling the head to repair? I have used a helicoil on a smaller motor once , i was worried about the shavings getting in the motor. any ideas for cost on pulling head to have repaired.

[302w]

Sounds like you may need a new head. I would think that the spark plug angle would have a dramatic effect on the way it runs.

[JaySmithRacing]

Simply remove the head and repair the hole with a Time Sert, you can then drill straight..

My .02
Jay

[EuropeanAM]

Due to the ANGLE of the Optimax Spark Plugs- traditional thread repair kit tooling WILL NOT WORK.

However.... if you remove your cylinder head- I have a tool that I've made which WILL work, allowing a permanent thread-sert repair. Have done plenty of them for folks.

[250bassFL]

Hope you get back on the water soon.