Need help ASAP with smog removal

[95Cobra302]

Ok, my thermactor plugs only screw in a little way, not all the way into the back of the heads. Is this what yours did to??? Also, the two bolts that hold up the smog tube to the back of the heads, do you need to screw them back in or can you leave them out?? Hopefully something can help so I can get this stuff done. Thanks

 

[SeventyMach1]

I don't know what size plugs it was that I bought .... but I'm pretty sure they went all the way in. What size did you buy? How long are they? Hindsight 20/20 .... I don't think I would use the TFS plugs again, unless plugging the front of the heads. They can be a hassle to get in.


If worse comes to worse ... just go get 2 grade 8 bolts at Lowe's or a hardware store. The size you need are 5/8-11 x 3/4" long. Or you can just bust up 2 spark plugs and use them as bolts.


I hate that this is going so bad for ya'. Hope you get it straightened out soon.


EDIT: also be sure that you haven't "mis-threaded" the plugs.

 

[95Cobra302]

I picked up my thermactor plugs from the ford dealership, I'm pretty sure they only come in one size. I just went ahead and finished it up and everything seems to be ok, I guess if it was leaking combustion gases or something I would know, but nothing seems to be coming out. Also, do you put your smog tube bolts back in the heads??

 

[SeventyMach1]

Also, do you put your smog tube bolts back in the heads??

I did (to be on the safe side, I guess) .... but I'm not sure if you have to or not.

 

[SVTCobra306]

I cut my fittings off the tubes and put them back on backwards... worked great!

 

[mo_dingo]

You can use a 9/16 NC short bolt too.
Scott

 

[95Cobra302]

I cut my fittings off the tubes and put them back on backwards... worked great!

So basically you flipped around the fittings and the flat side blocked off the holes in the heads right?? If i have any problems I just might do that, but no problems yet.

 

[SVTCobra306]

Yup. A lil' high-temp red permatex doesn't hurt anything either.

Usually you can't screw in a bolt or plug due to the buildup of carbon in the threads. Easy fix if the heads are off the car, just chase the threads and you're done. If they're on the car, however, the 1/2" of space you have to work with back there prohibits most of that. You can try cleaning it out with brakleen or carb cleaner to get the threads clean enough to screw in..

The actual holes you are plugging are only about twice the size of a pinhole anyway, it doesn't really take much to plug them.

 

[95Cobra302]

Ok thanks for the help. I figured it was carbon or something built up on the threads for the reason they wouldn't screw in.