So today is was putting parts back on my newly rebuilt longblock and I over torqued a few polts stripping the threads in them. I have heard lots about helicoil on this website but have never used it before myself. My question is what size do I need to fix the stripped holes and if I need any special tools or a kit of some sort to fix them. Harbor freight sells the inserts but only in standard thread. Can I find them in metric. Here are the bolts I stripped.

1. one of the bolts that secures the EGR plate on the very back of the head.
2. the top passenger side timing cover bolt
3. one of the two bolts that secures the fuel rail the the lower portion of the intake

I need to learn to ease up on my torquing. lol

Thanks,
Andrew

 

Helicoil does come in metric sizes. As for what size(s) you'll need, not sure. But if you can find the metric Helicoil kits, take the bolt(s) down and match them up.
And use a vacuum to help keep metal shavings from getting in the engine, or at least wrap around the area thoroughly with rags, as you're drilling the pilot holes for the Helicoil.

 

dont feel bad i just did the same thing however i was using a torque wrench.

i believe the timing cover bolt is an M8X1.25, as well as the plate on the back of the head. Which i believe is a water bypass, not egr. Cant speak of the fuel rail since mines carburated, but if its the same size, as the other then its m8X1.25.

and the helicoil kit drill bit should be a 21/64ths

 

I tried one once, on an exhaust stub, while the engine was in the truck, it wasn't easy. and You've got to be REALLY careful to drill straight. If you tilt it at all, your bolt won't thread squarely.

just my 2cents

Good Luck with it! And let us know how it goes : )

 

Thanks guys, i figured they came in metric. I guess I'm gonna give it a try. Does anybody know who would sell them in metric.

 

Check the auto parts stores. If they don't have it, check automotive machine shops.

 

Napa has the official HeliCoil kits that come with the inserts and threader but not all come with the right drill bit. You gotta make sure you have the right drill bit. Also, harbor freight, autozone, advance, carquest, etc, will all carry generic thread repair kits and as long as you get the right size, you should be fine. I had to rethread my camshaft cap bolts and luckily had the head off the engine and in my lap. Definitely take the time of prepping as well as possible and it'll work easy enough. Take your time, cutting threads is not a fast feat of strength, but rather slow action grooving. I found that while drilling and cutting, I wasn't able to finish a hole in one pass but rather had to take a break halfway through to remove the shavings from the hole to make room for the tools to finish all the way through. I was scared of HeliCoils for quite some time but now I am a firm believer. Rights tools must still be in the right hands. You got it man.

 

Yeap, thats what I figured. NAPA is closed now so I'm planning on making a trip up there tomorrow. I pulled the thing out stripped it down and have it back togehter so I have no doubt I can work some helicoils in there. I just need a little patience. I've been learning that the hard way lately. Anywho, I'll try and post some pics of her as she sits right now.

 

'Cool deal man. Yeah, it took me awhile to really grasp the idea of slow power being just as important if not more so than shock power. Take your time, it benefits everything. Ahhh, the zen of maintenance.

 

did you read that zen of maintenance book? My freind did and he always brings is up.

 

I haven't myself. My neighbor is the same way though, always brings it up. I'd like to think I've more or less figured it out by my own time. On a good day, nothing else is quite as satisfying as solving a problem by your own efforts.

 

Tell me about it. While working on this thing I have learned a lot of critical thinking skills.

 

Timesert makes a solid thread repair insert that I have
used a lot in the past. The solid insert is swaged into the
hole so that the insert does not come out when taking things
apart. It is a mail order item, but well worth it.

http://www.timesert.com/

 

Timeserts are definitely superior in my experience, as well. it's a more permanent, more durable repair. kinda pricy though, aren't they?

 

pntbol11, just my two cents, if you're gonna be tightening bolts on vehicles for some time to come, you might want to invest in a decent quality torque wrench. I recently bought one from a Yotatech member and now it's my best friend. I sleep better too. Thread repairs cost time and money.

 

Nogarage- Yea I have a torque wrench I just wasn't using it at the time.

Although, I found what I needed at Ace Hardware. The drill bit and kit cost $40. Let me tell ya I wont be making that mistake again. Anywho, I am successul. All the holes drilled straight and the tap worked great. Thanks for all the help guys. Anybody want to fill me in on how to post pics. I'll put some of my motor up.

 

I'm about to buy a helicoil kit for the 2 sizes I need. Is it correct that for the M8x1.25 kit you need a 21/64ths drill bit?

 

I have the harbor freight metric kit,cant find the standard thread in virginia.Its much better than the price would lead you to believe.Its paid for itself many times over.I think I will call the harbor freight store in FL to see if they still have the standard kit.