crank tap question ASAP

[liquidmpls]

ok so i did the search and read the other posts about the snap-on tap or the mac tools set for when you strip the crank threads by misusing the puller.

i was going to order the set when i thought i would just call the local NAPA for jokes. The guy said that 14mm 1.5 is what spark plugs are so I could just use a sparkplug tap. and he said it was a very common tool and they had it in stock.

so here is my question...
can this be true, is it the same thing?
i am just leary becuase everyone else had so much trouble finding one and even from snap-on had to be ordered, and then this tiny NAPA just four blocks from my house says its a very common tool becuase its spark plug size.

any imput would be great, i just dont want to use the wrong thing or delay on ordering if i need to be ordering the correct one from the web.
Is this

 

[AutoSHO]

As long as it is an M14 x 1.5mm it should work just fine.

 

[projectSHO89]

Look very closely - that 14 mm tap is probably a different pitch - most likely a 1.25. Remeber, you need a 1.5 pitch.

I inspected a variety of spark plug thread chasers including at NAPA before giving up and ordering the Snap-On.

Hold the offered tap up to the threads of your crank bolt and see if the threads match up. If you get lucky, buy it!.

Steve

<small>[ January 20, 2004, 03:38 PM: Message edited by: projectSHO89 ]</small>

 

[liquidmpls]

ok so i tested the threads and it was 1.25 not 1.5

guess i should order it online

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/pro_det.asp?P65=&tool=all&item_ID=9772&group_ID=1167&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog

is that it? is "righthand" ok? not sure what that means

 

[AutoSHO]

Yes, righthand thread is normal.

Left hand thread is backwards (ie. righty loosey, lefty tighty).

 

[liquidmpls]

great, ordering one from snap-on then.

any tips on using one? i have never done it and am nervous about wrecking my crank

 

[91taurisho]

liquidmpls:
great, ordering one from snap-on then.

any tips on using one? i have never done it and am nervous about wrecking my crank

Thread it in just like the bolt and turn it. after a full turn, back it out about a half turn. then start over. It is a vary long process but well worth it IMO.
Good luck thumb

 

[Electricat]

It is also a good idea to use a bit of oil on the tap, to help lubricate it and prevent any possibility of it seizing up. This isn't a necessity, but it is a good precaution. Since you just cleaning up existing threads, instead of cutting entirely new ones, this should really be quite an easy and quick job.

Dont' feel bad, I did the same thing to my crank last week! I don't seem to have hurt the threads tho, lucky I guess.

 

[liquidmpls]

ok other than use oil and go slowly, can anyone give me any advice on how to make sure its lined up with the previous threads? i dont want to cut new ones that dont match the old ones.

 

[projectSHO89]

Just square it up and turn it in. I just used a ratchet with a 12 pt socket that fit the end of the tap.

The tap is tapered so that you will have an excellent chance of it picking up the threads correctly.

When I did this, it literally took only 30 seconds of work after worrying and agonizing over doing it correctly.

Steve

 

[Yamaha V6]

There is an excellent new tool for tapping pre-existing threads somewhere (like spark plug threads); it begins INSIDE the thread, with a "catch" to trap the particles so they don't fall into the combustion chamber. While that's not anything you have to worry about with the crankshaft, the 'starting inside' / lining up the threads & chasing from the inside-out sounds very appealing.

Saw it in one of the car mags recently - Hot Rod or Car Craft, can't remember which.