Stripped distributor adjustment bolt
04-16-2018, 05:46 PM
#1
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Stripped distributor adjustment bolt
While adjusting the timing on my 84 4runner, I noticed that the the distributor bolt would not tighten enough to hold the dizzy position. I backed out the bolt all the way and found what I believe to be the remnants of an old Helicoil on the bolt. I found that LCE and other sell the specific bolt with blue loctite on the end and two washers. Thinking I was screwed and I would have to be tapping out the head for a new bolt, I decided to try the bolt without this helicoil “spring” that it came out with and I did get it to tighten enough to hold the distributor in place to get me home. Question: Can I tap and install a helicoil without removing the head or has anyone else had this happen. I am so ready to do an engine swap.
04-17-2018, 04:31 AM
#3
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It's not a blind hole, it goes through to the innards of the engine. That's why thread sealant is needed. You don't need to remove the head to safely tap for a helicoil, just the valve cover. Set a shop vac up right inside the hole to catch any chips from tapping the hole.
04-17-2018, 05:24 AM
#4
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Thanks for the advice. Oddly enough, with the “helicoil “ or whatever insert was in there removed, I could get the bolt to catch at one point, but I think it will loosen itself out and allow the distributor to move and thus my timing to be off. I might try putting the same size insert back in, or maybe just loctite in a stud and use a nut on the accessible side.
04-17-2018, 08:04 AM
#5
If what you had in there was a "thread repair" and it came out your bolt would certainly just spin, pretty much the point of being able to slide it in without turning it..
What was on the bolt were very likely the stripped threads..
You need to get eyes on the hole, good light, maybe a depth guage, to verify if it is a blind hole and fixable in place.
What was on the bolt were very likely the stripped threads..
You need to get eyes on the hole, good light, maybe a depth guage, to verify if it is a blind hole and fixable in place.
04-17-2018, 10:27 AM
#6
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I went ahead and ordered the bolt from LCE. Comparing the pics of the “coil” that came out, I am petty sure it was a repair done to the head at some point in time. I’ll start with the least invasive options and work my way up to engine swap. LOL
05-03-2018, 09:54 AM
#7
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Just an update: The bolt from LCE with blue loctite applied is holding. I have also found another helicoil that came out on the intake side when chasing down a leak.
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