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+1 for keeping the bolts matching the originals if at all possible. I used Imperial socket head capscrews on the carriage stop of my lathe because I keep a lot of them on hand for model airplane use. Now I need 2 Imperial hex wrenches on an otherwise 100% metric lathe. Dumb move on my part.
- Joined
- Mar 26, 2018
- Messages
- 8,645
I Agree,
When no other option is available, a properly installed helicoil works very well.
We used them at times at the shop. Never had a problem with them that I remember.
Heli-coil is my go to for that sort of thing.
So probably 6mm? What engine is it?
Again, heli-coil. It's the smallest amount to cut away that you'll find. Others use the same "STI" tap for the inserts, but they need counterbores, or other fancy space occupying shenanigans.
Good call. It's tough to undrill a hole.
So 80? 85? millimeters nominal? That's an odd size that raises a flag. Not a bad flag, more like an informational flag. If it's purely for reach, you'd more likely see the normally threaded bolt. If the OE chose a bolt for an application like that, which was threaded all the way... There's probably a reason. Are you positive that those are OE, or could this have been serviced multiple times?
Heli coil kits cut a thread that is not a normal thread size, then you screw in the insert. They are sold based on the thread diameter that you are "fixing", not on what they actually cut. The tap will come in the kit.
The tap drill will also come in the kit.
Not needed, you would still be using the original nominal bolt dimension.
Go with OE. If it's a metric engine, stay with it. If it's an "inch" engine, stay with it. That is the stuff nightmares are made of.
For that application, I'd guess you're probably looking at "normal" stuff. 8.8 or 10.9 if it's metric, and almost universally grade five in inches. What was the OE? Do you have absolutely known original bolts available to you? The head will be marked. Does the OE still support this engine? If you could buy four "mystery" bolts, which have the potential to total the engine if they fail... Ten bucks each (forty bucks) is 37 dollars more than hardware grade stuff. That thirty seven bucks might be the cheapest peace of mind you could come by...
The best help would be if we knew what the engine was. Somebody here is bound to recognize it. One key factor for 100 percent sure is to CONCRETELY NAIL DOWN exactly what size bolt you originally had. You have described the current bolts as (apparently) being 6mm. Myself, and (apparently) this forum believe you have a 6mm bolt. But things are clearly not right inside of there. Is that an "inch" engine? Is it a metric engine that used a different thread pitch? Is there a previous repair in there that failed so the hole can't be properly qualified anymore? All those questions are on the table until they're satisfied.
We'll still need to know for sure if these holes go into a water jacket. If they're blind holes, it's easy. If they go inside to where the water is, the repair stays the same, but there's extra steps, and setup/wait time involved, and (possibly) some "belt and suspenders" items that are prudent to take. (99 times out of 99 times, "belt and suspenders" add ons are garbage and should be skipped. But "sometimes" they have a place......
The other issue is thread engagement. The actual length of thread that's engaged in the (block? head? intake?) when you bolt this together. That "fully threaded bolt" thing sends off tingles that this "may" lead to an important detail. Or it may be nothing....
The heli-coils that I (and others) recommended get a lot of hate on the internet, but in practice, they make stronger joints than most of their counterparts in cast metals (other applications differ), they're dirt simple, they're VERY forgiving of freehand metal working (you'gotta be good still, but "perfect" can be relative with these... 30 years in truck and equipment repair. These make stout reliable repairs on structural things, and million mile repairs on truck engines.
There are many brands of these, Heli Coil is the "kleenex", they've been out so long that the name is almost universal. They're good. "Save a Thread" is very common at the DIY parts stores. Those are good. McMaster has had a couple of brands, they're good. Stuff off of Amazon or Ebay.... Buyer beware. Part of the magic is quality control in making the "coils". Discounted products tend to lack heavily in that department, and you don't want a Heli Coil that is made of cheese.
What's the engine? Or make/model/year if that applies. Or the application? Pictures?
- Joined
- Dec 23, 2012
- Messages
- 834
Sounds like fun project. To bad live my town.
I have done a lot over years.
The way found the stayed was to either use nect size bigger or thread and a larger thread using Loctite and re-tapping the hole.
Or this witch could easier depend condition will cost more
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They make a thread insert looks
like spring
AkA Helical coil type
DO NOT USE THIS TYPE THEY WILL FAIL.
Now you have more work to do.
Dave
- Joined
- May 7, 2023
- Messages
- 2,105
I prefer keenserts/timeserts, but for some applications there just isn’t enough meat to install them.
- Joined
- Dec 23, 2012
- Messages
- 834
I only use a blank then drill and tap or
McMaster-Carr
McMaster-Carr is the complete source for your plant with over 595,000 products. 98% of products ordered ship from stock and deliver same or next day.
Thd Helical coil type I have had to replace.
Dave