Re-tap O2 sensor threads - VW

[JasonH]

Patient is a 86 VW Cabriolet with the 1.8. It had what I am assuming is the original o2 sensor (car has around 73K miles). I got it out but it was rusted in there pretty good and consequently goobered the threads up. I've tried chasing them with a spark plug thread chaser but can't get it started and have probably made things worse.

I really don't want to have to remove the mainfold if I don't absolutely have to. I do have a little room above it to work a tap. I was thinking I'd just get an actual tap instead of a thread chaser. Or I found this helicoil kit that's specifically for re-tapping o2 sensors:
http://www.sjdiscounttools.com/hel4833.html

You think that thing is worth the $80? If it works I'll be happy to pay it.

 

[Mace]

Jason, there is a tap and nutsert set that is common for VW bugs (the old ones). It was stupid cheap (under $20)

I'll see if I can find it.

 

[JasonH]

Cool. Cheap is good.

You still looking for ball and claw axles? Local guy here has a set of 67 axles for sale cheap.

 

[JasonH]

I wasn't really paying attention to the thread size listed on the deal above. I'm pretty sure the threads on this are the same as a spark plug (14mmx1.25). So I'm gonna order this kit instead and hope there's room to use it.
http://www.sjdiscounttools.com/hel5334-14.html

 

[Mace]

bout the same price and stuff as the old vw one
Cool

 

[Gumby]

Threads are pretty typically the same as spark plug threads.

You might be able to helicoil the threads.

Maybe re-locate the bung.

 

[JasonH]

Huh huh.. You said bung..

That insert kit above isn't the right size. The inserts are too small. I took the sensor to the big hardware store just now at lunch and verified that it is an M18x1.50 thread. I bought that tap and I'll try running it through tonite.

 

[Mace]

Found the bug one,

tap is a M14 1.25.. sorry.

 

[JasonH]

I appreciate the help guys. I'm throwing in the towel on this one. I've been laying under this POS for a week and I can't take anymore. There's a cool shop near my house that takes on all my s*** jobs (like re-wiring my old F350 after the small electrical fire under the dash ). I'm dragging it over there this week. It was either that or douse it with gasoline.

 

[Mace]

I vote gasoline

 

[gladly]

i've done the same, it really reinforced the "if it aint broke..." mentality in me

 

[JasonH]

Just to close this out... I should have taken it to that shop in the first place. They pulled the manifold, tapped it and installed the new sensor. Then they set the timing and tuned it so it passed the emissions test with flying colors. Crisis averted.