We have a 1979 Gerstenslager bookmobile. It is built on a Dodge m60 transit bus chasis with a 440 engine. When attempting to replace the sparkplugs on the drivers side we discovered that one of the plugs is NOT the correct plug and the new plugs will not screw in. It feels like the threads Want to catch but just can't quite do it. Any advice? Thank you so much!!!

 

I'm as about as far away from being a mechanic as you can get, but when I read your post the name "Heli-Coil" popped into my head. I have no idea if something like this would work for your problem, but it may be worth checking into.

Good Luck and Welcome!

Joe.

 

Welcome to the forum... is the old plug differnet from the other old ones??? If they all are the same its the threads in the head....

 

Is the odd ball plug bigger than the others ? I am guessing yes.
It sounds to me like perhaps someone at sometime has stripped the threads in the original plug hole and has either cut larger threads or has heli-coiled in a new set.
Its basically up to you what you want to do now. If you want to repair this you can do it with the head on but its a little tricky or pull the head and repair it that way. Either way it will probably be a trip to the machine shop, or if funds are an issue just replace the odd ball with another odd ball. Let us know.

 

Thank you for your replies! I went into the old posts and found some interesting info. Evidently there was a special plug for the rv's with 440's of the 70's. I am going to check into it and see if this will remedy it. I will let you all know how it works out. I will be back as this site Rocks!!

 

Reading this brings back nightmares... You need to get plugs for a motorhome 440. sounds stupid that they would be different but trust me they are. I learned the hard way. i will look at my plugs tonight and post the part number.

 

Welcome!

 

We have a 1979 Gerstenslager bookmobile im so confused

 

what! it was the hottest thing on the street!

 

you all are wonderful!! I used the plug suggested in another thread and it worked PERFECTLY! As this is old and odd, can anyone tell me where on the engine block I can find numbers?? One thread said that there was a special 440 put in some motorhomes that was a 440-3. Thank you all again!!

lynn