Questions and Answers

Nissan Stanza Stripped Head Q. I purchased the automobile new and my intention is to keep it for a very long time as long as it looks good and runs good. I just had the spark plugs replaced along with other work at an outside shop. The invoice for work performed as has the following notation. "spark plugs extremely difficult to remove threads destroyed".

They were able to insert new plugs. My concern is should this have happened and can it be corrected. After checking my records, the last time plugs were replaced was July, 1997. If the problem can not be corrected what are the consequences. Your comments will be sincerely appreciated.

• 1992 Nissan Stanza XE
• 146 Cubic Inch Engine
• 4 Cylinders
• Fuel Injection
• Feedback Fuel System
• 4-Speed Automatic Transmission
• Catalytic Converter
• 120,000 miles

John

A. Any time something on the cylinder head is damaged it's scary since you do not want to replace cylinder head if you van help it.

I would assume, since they got the plugs back in, that they used a thread chaser to clean up the threads. If this is the case and they used an anti-seize compound on the spark plug threads, you should be okay the next time they need to be replaced. So I would ask them if they did this and if not, ask them to do it.

Worst case scenario is that the head will have to come off and go to a machine shop to have the hole drilled, tapped and a Heli-coil® installed to bring it back to like new condition.