| 1. | What are the specific advantages of TIME-SERT over Helicoil or coil style inserts? |
| 2. | What kit size should I buy, is the kit the internal or external size? |
| 3. | What materials are TIME-SERTs made of? |
| 4. | When should stainless steel inserts be used? |
| 5. | What length insert should be installed in blind holes? or (measuring hole depth for insert length) |
| 6. | Can TIME-SERTs be removed easily? |
| 7. | Can TIME-SERTs be reinstalled? |
| 8. | What types of plating are used on TIME-SERT inserts? |
| 9. | What are the torque and pull out specifications for the TIME-SERT? |
| 10. | Can Spark plug repair be done without removing the head from the motor? |
| 11. | Are special lengths of inserts available? |
| 12. | Can Custom lengths of inserts be ordered? |
| 13. | What is the correct insert for my SPARKPLUG application? |
| 14. | SPARKPLUG repair for FORD TRITON also 1.9/3.8/4.6/5.4 liter fords |
| 15. | Can I repair a stripped helicoil with a TIME-SERT insert? |
| 16. | Is my hole too large for a TIME-SERT? Engineering data pages |
| 17. | Can TIME-SERT inserts be shortened for length? |
| 18. | Do TIME-SERT inserts use special taps? |
| 19. | Why does the NorthStar2000 p/n J-42385-2000 and the NorthStar BIG-SERT p/n J-42385-500BS have 2 lines on the tooling? When the NorthStar J-423385-500 kit only has one. |
| 20. | Inserts only screw onto the insert driver 1 or 2 threads? |
| 21. | Will Honda Drain plug repair work in “Tin Pans” with oversized drain plugs? |
| 22. | The hole being repaired is shorter, than the length of your shortest insert? |
| 23. | Printable bolt size and thread gauge charts. |
| 24. | How to remove Head Alignment Dowel. |
| 25. | Returns / Warranty / terms and conditions |
| 26. | Can Loctite be used on external threads of inserts. |
| 27. | Head Bolt repair tip: Should just the 1 or 2 bad hole be repaired? |
| 28. | Speedy Insert Install using Desoutter pneumatic push pull tapper. |
| 29. | Helicoil / Save-A-Thread Failure. Spark plug blow out? |
| 30. | What kit size should I buy, is the kit the internal or external size |
| 31. | Ford Spark plug kit p/n 5553 Tap will not start in hole after reamer? |
| 32. | Install inserts with driver oil P/n J-42385-110. |
| 33. | Possible solution to remove a broken driver that is flush to the surface. |
| 34. | Taper seat spark plug inserts stick up slightly. |
| 35. | M14x1.25 Seat Cutter washer seat detail. |
| 36. | Using 12 point sockets to turn squares on tools. |
| 1. | What are the specific advantages of TIME-SERT over Helicoil or coil style inserts? |
| TIME-SERT® is a thin wall, solid bushing, self locking insert with positive placement.
TIME-SERT® inserts are a thin wall solid bushing insert. This guarantees easy TIME-SERT® inserts are self-locking having an actual locking feature which will prevent them from coming out when a bolt is removed. On installation the bottom few internal threads of the insert are cold rolled to expand into the mating external threads of the base material locking the insert in place. TIME-SERT® inserts have a flange, which will give them a positive placement on installation for “accurate specific depths”. This ensures that the insert does not wind down into the threaded hole. Thin wall, self locking , solid bushing insert with positive placement . Customers have asked if they may also use Loctite® adhesives for additional strength. Yes you may due to the solid wall design. There is no danger of loctite passing thru the threads of the insert and locking up the bolt as in coil types. Time-Sert inserts are used in Aluminum, cast iron, steels and even some hard plastics. MADE IN THE USA
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| 2. | What kit size should I buy, is the kit the internal or external size? |
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The tool kits listed are the “Internal size”. Metric Example: If your bolt is M6x1.0 and your stripped thread is M6x1.0 you will need a M6x1.0 thread repair kit. Inch Example: If your bolt is 3/8-16 and your stripped thread is 3/8-16 you will need a 3/8-16 thread repair kit. Tools in kit. Check the correct size and pitch for your bolt. We have a Printable bolt chart click here.
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| 3. | What materials are TIME-SERTs made of? |
| TIME-SERT inserts are made from 12L14 carbon steel and 303 stainless steel.
Click links for material specifications in PDF format. 12L14 Carbon Steel (click here) 303 Stainless Steel (click here) 2024 T351 Aluminum (click here)
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| 4. | When should stainless steel inserts be used? |
| Stainless steel is recommended for the medical or food industry, and water applications or where there may be exposer to the elements as in disk brakes.
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| 5. | What length insert should be installed in blind holes? |
| Yes TIME-SERTs can be installed in blind holes. A basic dimension we give is .250 inches or 6mm deeper hole, than the insert itself. This is the relief angle length of the tap we have to account for to get a full thread. This can vary as small taps will have shorter relief angle length than larger taps. Again this is the length from the tip of the tap to the first “full” thread. The extra depth also gives us enough room for the install driver to slightly pass thru the bottom of the insert to expand the last few threads, locking it in place. Example. The blind hole depth for a 5/16-18x.450 should be a minimum of .700 inches or 17.8mm deep. Insert length .450 + relief angle of tap .250 =.700 inches or 17.8mm Hole Depth. Another thing to keep in mind when repairing a blind hole application is that you “do not” want to bottom out the driver tool on installation. There is a simple method to safeguard against bottoming the tool out, by placing a visual mark the driver tool. BEFORE installing the insert, place the driver tool into the hole and mark the tool at the point it can’t enter any further. Use a ink marker or even use a small strip of electrical tape around the driver. This way we know exactly how deep the hole is and there is no danger of bottoming the tool out.  |
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| 6. | Can TIME-SERTs be removed easily? |
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TIME-SERTs can be removed with a spiral point screw extractor, or drilled out with the drill that came in the repair kit.
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| 7. | Can TIME-SERTs be reinstalled? |
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Yes, if the threads in the base material are not damaged a new TIME-SERT can be re-inserted into that hole. This is a common practice on CNC pallet changers. When an insert starts to show wear over time, the insert can be removed with a screw extractor then replaced with a new one.
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| 8. | What types of plating are used on TIME-SERT inserts? |
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The standard TIME-SERT carbon steel inserts ” Black in color” are plated with Zinc Phosphate. Sparkplug washer seat inserts are plated with a copper flash good for heat and anti-seize properties. Sparkplug taper seat are silver plated.
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| 9. | What are the torque and pull out specifications for the TIME-SERT? |
| TIME-SERT makes no claims on torque specs or pullout, nor do we provide them. The reason being there are many factors that can determine the end result of the insert thread strength. One being the installation process.
1) Was the insert actually installed correctly using Time-Sert tools and square to the hole? This would have a huge effect on the outcome of the torque specification, along with what type of material being inserted. For example plastics will not have the same torque values as aluminum’s, steels, or cast irons. Another thing to keep in mind is the length of the insert. Inserts must match the length of the bolt threading into the hole. Too short of an insert length could result in thread failure. TIME-SERT will state that if the thread repair is done correctly and with the proper length of insert used for the application e.g. the insert is the same length of the original thread engagement, the result should be a hole that should match the original torque specification of the hole. Customers have found in their own testing data that TIME-SERT’s have exceeded their expectations. Many of our larger customers will test TIME-SERT’s before placing them in critical applications and find excellent results.
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| 10. | Can Spark plug repair be done without removing the head from the motor? |
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Yes Spark plug repair can be done without removing the head by placing a heavy grease on the step tap flutes to catch the chips. TIP: mechanics have mentioned that using a shop vac with a plastic tube taped to the nozzle end works well for removing any stray chips left over.
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| 11. | Are special lengths of inserts available? |
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Yes we have many special lengths of inserts available not listed in our catalog. Please inquire with our order department to see if we have the length you are looking for.
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| 12. | Can Custom lengths of inserts be ordered? |
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Yes custom lengths can be ordered but a minimum of a 1000 insert quantity will be required. The estimated time of delivery is 4-6 weeks.
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| 13. | What is the correct insert for my SPARKPLUG application? |
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What type of spark plug do you have? Washer seat or Taper seat. Washer seat sparkplug’s will have a washer to seal the spark plug against the head. Taper seat spark plugs will have a taper to seal against the head. Measure from either the spark plug (Washer) or (taper) to the last thread. (Not to the end of the electrode). This will give you the correct length on insert. TIME-SERT inserts cannot be shortened for length. Please refer to our catalog or web site for length of inserts. The diameter of the spark plug will be the size. The threads or pitch will be a standard for the diameter. Example if the diameter is M14 the standard pitch will be 1.25 or M14x1.25.
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| 14. | SPARKPLUG repair for FORD TRITON also 1.9/3.8/4.6/5.4/6.8 liter fords |
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This sparkplug has a straight section between the taper seat and threads. sparkplug picture Ford spark plug Repair kit p/n 5553 to repair blown out sparkplug’s.Ford Triton Sparkplug repair kit includes all the tools and 5 inserts.
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| 15. | Can I repair a stripped helicoil with a TIME-SERT insert? |
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No, you cannot repair a helicoil with a TIME-SERT because the are too close in size. We can offer a larger diameter insert called BIG-SERT Link: BIG-SERT
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| 16. | Is my hole too large for a TIME-SERT? |
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Normally if the hole is just stripped out and has never been repaired TIME-SERT will repair that hole. You can also check the drill size from the online TIME-SERT catalog or go to engineering data page, the drill size should be slightly larger than the stripped out hole. Link: INCH ENGINEERING DATA PAGE Link: METRIC ENGINEERING DATA PAGE If the hole is bigger refer to our Big-Sert line for oversized holes . BIG-SERT information page
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| 17. | Can TIME-SERT inserts be shortened for length? |
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We prefer you do not cut the insert to shorter. Here is the problem if you were to cut off the bottom or top of the inserts. The top has a flange which give the insert a place to sit for positive placement. The bottom of the insert is the locking portion. We recommend to check for a suitable shorter length for your application.
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| 18. | Do TIME-SERT inserts use special taps? |
| Yes, TIME-SERT inserts use S.T.I taps which are considered special. S.T.I stands for “Screw Thread Insert” an example would be a TIME-SERT M8x1.25 repair kit would require a M8x1.25 S.T.I tap, this is “larger” than a standard M8x1.25.S.T.I TAPS are a mathematical formula from a nominal size thread. S.T.I Basic P.D. = Nominal Thread O.D (Basic Major Dia.) – Basic P.D. + Basic Major Dia. Example for a “1/2-20” S.T.I tap: S.T.I “1/2-20” O.D =.500 Dia. – P.D .4675 + O.D .500 = .5325 S.T.I Basic P.D Metric Taps are generally (4H limit) Inch sizes use class 3B. Taps are made from M2 high speed tool steel. Example of Stock S.T.I gage sizes available at Balax Balax is now gwstool group. https://www.gwstoolgroup.com/ |
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| 19. | Why does the NorthStar2000 & NorthStar BIG-SERT have 2 line on the tooling? |
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The Original NorthStar 4.0/4.6 TIME-SERT kit p/n J-42385-500 only has one line on the tooling because it is specifically made for the early Cadillac NorthStar 4.0/4.6 engine block only had one depth of head bolt. This engine block was developed first. In the year 2000 the North Star block had a change where the lower bank head bolts The NorthStar BIG-SERT kit will repair the 4.0/4.6 along with the NorthStar 2000 block which have a deeper depth on the lower bank of the block. Since the BIG-SERT repair came several years later we decided to consolidate the two. The BIG-SERT kit p/n J-42385-500BS is for blocks that have already been repaired! This is a second oversized repair. Question: What if i have a NorthStar J-42385-500 kit and want to fix a NorthStar 2000? |
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| 20. | Inserts only screw onto the insert driver 1 or 2 threads? |
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First check that the thread pitch is matching the external thread. What is happening is the plating is slightly heaver on some inserts that is why it will feel tighter when screwing inserts on driver tool by hand.
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| 21. | Will Honda Drain plug repair work in “Tin Pans” with oversized drain plugs? |
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No! Because the oversized drain plug has oversized the hole in the drain pan making it larger, so the insert will not hold properly. The 1485 kit will work by reducing the hole from M14x1.5 to M12x1.5 there is no drilling because the tin pans are to thin and the thread would break out entirely. So no oversized drain plugs in tin pan repair. Aluminum pan repair:
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| 22. | The hole being repaired is shorter, than the length of your shortest insert? |
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One possible solution. The hole being repaired has a depth shorter than the length of our shortest insert. There are a few cases where we do not have a short enough insert for a particular application. For example: trying to repair a hole 5/16-18 our shortest length insert is .350 inches and the hole depth is .250 inches deep. You can install a TIME-SERT without using a counterbore. Leaving the shoulder sticking up to remove later on by milling or filing. 1) Drill hole (2) Tap hole (3) let insert set up with locktite (4) install insert (5) file insert flush. Drill the hole out, “DO NOT” use counterbore tool, tap the hole. The insert will now be protruding or sticking up higher in the hole, you will have to “file down” or mill the top of the insert to get the insert flush with the surface. It’s recommended to run the insert driver back through the insert to clean any burs at the top of the insert. |
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| 23. | Printable bolt size and thread gauge charts. NOTE: You must “PRINT” the charts. |
| The bolts on this print out will probably not look like your bolt or drain plug, that’s not a problem as we are only looking at the “Threads” Size and Pitch. Page Scaling NONE or in Adobe it would be Actual size. Metric: Click here for: Printable Metric Bolt charts Set print scaling to NONE or Actual size Charts must be printed and use scale check after printing on page. Inch: Click here for: Printable Inch Bolt charts Set print scaling to NONE or Actual size. Charts must be printed and use scale check after printing on page. Printable Metric Thread Pitch Gauge Printable Inch Thread Pitch Gauge Rule – This is a printable 8” rule for metric and inch. Fractional/Decimal chart – Fractional / Decimal chart. You can also bring the bolt to your local fastener house in your area, they will be able to measure it for you. You will need to know the thread size and pitch of the bolt to repair it. |
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| 24. | How to remove head alignment Dowel. |
| With out the proper tool removing head alignment dowels can be tricky. The tool in the link above can be purchased through SPX corp. (507)-455-7206 p/n PT6575 Possible work around: Place a suitable bolt that will fit closely into Dowel so that it will not crush. Use a pair of vise grips to hold on the “outside” of the dowel. Slowly work the dowel back and forth as you use slight pressure under the vise grip with a screw driver to give up lift. Use care not to scratch the top of block in the process. Sometimes head alignment dowels will come out easy and sometimes hard depending on tolerances of the block, how much the dowel gets crushed in the process, or rust, etc. Link to picture of work around. |
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| 25. | Used items / Returns / Warranty / Terms and Conditions |
| Used items sold by Amazon Warehouse deals, Ebay or any other outlets. Notice: These purchase are forbidden, unlawful and against our terms and conditions. NO warranty expressed or implied customer uses at own risk. Time Fastener Co. will not recognize any of these USED purchases because of the fact that we can not know the condition of these items being used are in like New condition. There is a high chance the repair will fail with dull or broken tools. We encourage the customer to always by NEW so we can recognize if there is a problem with the repair. Time-Sert is a registered trademark and these companies selling product under used condition are in violation of trademark patents and do not have authority to do so. Returns: New and Unused items may be returned within the first 30 days with copy of original invoice plus a 15% restocking charge. After 30 days there will be a 25% restocking fee applied. We do not refund shipping costs if charged. You must have a copy of the original invoice. Items more then 60 days old or special order items are non returnable. Do not send us used items, used items will not be credited. Shortage or discrepancy in shipment: Any claims for Discrepancies in shipment must be made within one week of receipt of merchandise or no credit will be issued. Warranty: The following is made in lieu of all warranties, expressed or implied. There are no warranties. Seller’s only obligation shall be to replace such quantity of the product proved to be defective within the first 30 days and provide a copy of the invoice. Seller shall not be liable for any injury, loss, or damage, direct or consequential, arising out of the use or the inability to use the product. Before using, user shall determine the suitability of the product for their intended use, and the user assumes all risk and liability whatsoever in connection therewith. The foregoing may not be changed. Time Fastener Co. expressly retains the right to make changes or discontinue any product it manufactures or sells at any time and without notice. Terms and conditions: Time Fastener Co. does not accept blanket or future dated purchase orders all order received are processed within 2 to 3 business days if items are in stock. Placing orders in the USA have a $20.00 min order overseas $50.00 min order. Drop ship fee $5.00. Time Fastener does not pay any shipping or receiving fees. Time Fastener Co. does not accept any third party shipping account numbers and will only drop ship in the United states. Restocking fee 25% after 30 days on returns. Map Pricing: Distributors must sell /advertise Time-Sert and Big-Sert products at Map price or Higher. Sorry no coupon codes allowed Any distributor found to be selling below Map price will be found in violation of these terms and conditions and will lose their distributorship and we will no longer sell to them. If a distributor supports a third party who undercuts our approved distributors map pricing they will lose their distributorship. Distributors will not rent or offer used tooling. If we find a distributor selling or renting used tooling we will no longer consider them a distributor. Distributors must not list individual tools for sale. The max number of individual tools in one size that can be ordered is 10 pcs per month. Distributors may not modify any tool kit or sell tooling or inserts under any name other than Time-Sert® a registered trademark. Payment Terms are NET 30 days on open accounts. If a distributor is out of terms more than 30 days we reserve the right to hold all orders until payment is current or terminate distributorship if they continue to pay out of terms. Time Fastener Co. will not connect to portals or external links for a customer placing orders, customers or distributors please place orders by email or fax only. If pricing on distributors purchase order does not match Time Fastener Co. pricing, the item will not be shipped until corrected on purchase order. We add 3.5% to the invoice for a credit card sale. Prices are subject to change if there is a change in the industry. Items may be modified or made obsolete if there is a change in the industry or manufacturing process at any time for any reason. Distributors contracts or obligations have nothing to do with Time Fastener co. TIME-SERT tools and Inserts may not be repackaged in other products and sold under a different name this is absolutely prohibited. TIME-SERT is a registered trademark. Any Distributor or seller found in violation on these terms and conditions Time Fastener Co. reserves the right to terminate the relationship and end all sales to distributor. Terms and conditions may be updated or amended at anytime for any reason. By placing an order you agree to the terms and conditions. TIME-SERT® is registered trade marks no duplications are permitted. If TIME-SERT or any variation is used in your main URL this is a violation of our registered trademark and we will terminate the relationship. |
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| 26. | Can a sealer our p/n 6020 or a loctite be used on the external thread of insert. |
| Yes, Sealer may be used on the external threads of the insert, due to the solid wall design there is no danger of it leaking thru to the internal threads.
Application Spark plug taper seat: Application Head Bolt:
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| 27. | Head bolt repair tip: Should just the 1 or 2 bad hole be repaired? |
| TIME-SERT would recommend repairing at the very least, all the holes on the side of the block where the threads have failed. (If repairing a V engine) If repairing a straight or in line engine block TIME-SERT would recommend repairing all holes. The reason for this is simply the weakest link effect. If you only repair the bad hole or holes and leave the others there is a very good chance the other non-repaired holes may fail. Especially with aluminum blocks these days and over heating you can experience an anneal effect where the material becomes brittle. The only way to make sure is to remove all the old threads by replacing with steel inserts. TIP: Clear packing tape One last tip we like to mention is using clear packing tape normally used to close cardboard boxes. If you tape across all the holes on top of the cylinder block this will help keep all chips from entering the water jacket and piston holes. This way when the repair is finished you can easily remove the tape from the top of the block and be assured that no chips have entered. The clear packing tape is very thin and won’t be a problem pushing thru the alignment bolts included in the head bolt repair kits when starting the repair. |
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| 28. | Speedy Insert Install using Desoutter pneumatic push pull tapper. |
| CLICK HERE: FOR VIDEO LINK TO INSTALL PROCESS The video example shows the speed in which TIME-SERT inserts can be installed in a blind hole applications using a pneumatic push pull tapper. To our knowledge there is no insert on the market that can be installed faster in a hand volume application where a specific depth is required. The insert in the video is a M10x1.5x14mm.Link to: Desoutter tools push pulltappers. D16-L 1000 p/n 1274624  You should be able to order through your local Fastenal dealer. |
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| 29. | Helicoil / Save-A-Thread insert failure? Spark plug blow out. |
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We do receive many questions regarding Helicoil / Save-A–Thread spark plug insert failure. Click Here for information on helicoil / Save-A-Thread spark plug failure:
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| 30. | What kit size should I buy, is the kit the internal or external size? |
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The tool kits listed are the “Internal size”. If you are repairing a M12 bolt or stripped thread you will need a M12 kit.
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| 31. | Ford spark plug kit p/n 5553 Tap will not start in hole after reamer? |
| The tap should cut easily.
The problem is you may not have “REAMED” the hole fully. The reamer has a black stop collar and this collar must touch the head to ream the 45 degree counterbore which is pictured in step D. The problem that can happen is the reamer did not ream all the way thru the hole so it leaves a step in the hole that will STOP the tap because the 45 degree counterbore was not fully done. This can happen because of 2 possible things. The reamer is hitting a VALVE or the top of the PISTON which is stopping it from entering all the way. Please check again that the valves are closed and the piston is all the way down, then your tap should easily tap all the way thru. Follow the 2 man step on getting the valves closed and piston all the way down on the instructions.
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| 32. | Install inserts with Time-Sert driver oil P/n J-42385-110 |
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We recommend using Time-Sert driver oil P/n J-42385-110 to install inserts. You may optionally use a 30wt motor oil. You may also use a sealer on the external threads for added strength we offer sealer P/n 6020
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| 33. | Possible solution to remove a broken driver that is flush to the surface. |
| Possible solution to remove a broken driver that is flush to the surface. If the install driver is flush to the surface try to find nut that is close to the driver size. Place the nut over the broken portion. Using a wire welder tack the nut to the tool, then back out the driver.
NOTE: Try to not bend over the tool or bottom the driver out in the hole. We suggest using a tap handle wrench when installing. Use Time-Sert driver oil p/n 6010 or 30 wt motor oil on the external threads of the driver when installing inserts.
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| 34. | Taper seat spark plug inserts stick up slightly. |
| Yes Taper Seat spark plug Inserts will stick up slightly to support the flange. Taper seat spark plugs “Seal” on the insert.  Link to picture. Note: Taper seat spark plug inserts require sealer p/n 6020 on the external threads.
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| 35. | M14x1.25 Spark plug Seat Cutter washer seat detail. |
 The M14x1.25 Seat Cutter total diameter is Approx. .745 inches or 18.9mm yours may differ on older versions. If you see this diameter cut into the head this step is complete!
After the Seat Cutter is used you should see this washer seat diameter of .745 inches or 18.9mm cut into your spark plug hole and the head is ready to receive the insert. The Internal Counterbore has also cut out the first few threads for the flange of the insert. Oil the install driver tool with driver oil or 30wt motor oil then screw the insert onto the driver. The insert should easily screw in flush to the surface by hand before using the force from the insert driver tool.
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| 36. | Using 12 point sockets to turn squares on kit tools: |
Many Time-Sert tools are supplied with squares.
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