Bicycle Mechanics - Threaded crank arm/pedal

I switched out my pedals on my (new!) Specialized -- with Tiagra crankset -- and the right pedal felt particularly hard to attach. Plus, when I took it for a ride, I could tell that the pedal was uneven. I took it home, and as expected, I had misinstalled the pedal, and the crank arm was stripped -- but not entirely. I was able to wrench it out, and reinstall it correctly -- it attaches fairly securely, but it just won't tighten all the way at the end. I took it for another spin, and it felt okay to pedal -- how worried should I be? Should I continue to ride it if I don't really think there's a danger of it disconnecting, or do I need to fix this asap? Is there a way to fix this without replacing the whole crankset (oh no!!). I plan to call my LBS tomorrow, but wanted to get some advice from the group. Thanks!

I switched out my pedals on my (new!) Specialized Sequoia Elite -- with Tiagra crankset -- and the right pedal felt particularly hard to attach. Plus, when I took it for a ride, I could tell that the pedal was uneven. I took it home, and as expected, I had misinstalled the pedal, and the crank arm was stripped -- but not entirely. I was able to wrench it out, and reinstall it correctly -- it attaches fairly securely, but it just won't tighten all the way at the end. I took it for another spin, and it felt okay to pedal -- how worried should I be? Should I continue to ride it if I don't really think there's a danger of it disconnecting, or do I need to fix this asap? Is there a way to fix this without replacing the whole crankset (oh no!!). I plan to call my LBS tomorrow, but wanted to get some advice from the group. Thanks

Remove the pedal again and thread it in from the back side of the crank. Do this with your fingers so you can feel the first couple threads going in. Then thread the pedal as far as you can through the crank with a wrench. This will re-form the threads in the crank as much as possible. Then reinstall the pedal normally- it should thread all the way to the bottom. Remember to grease the threads!

Do not ride the bike with the pedal threaded only part way in. This will strip the threads from the crank, which could cause a crash or damage to the family jewels- or both.

If the bike shop says the crank is too messed up to ride without looking at it, get a second opinion. If they look at it and say it should be replaced, get it done. Having a pedal come loose is not a fun experience.

You can also look at having a Heli-Coil insert installed to repair the threads if they are beyond saving.