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Quick Question about heli-coil

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Old Mar 30, 2007 | 01:05 PM
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Default Quick Question about heli-coil

Can you successfully heali-coil an Aluminum block for a head bolt????
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Old Mar 30, 2007 | 01:08 PM
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I don't see why not. Should be as strong or stronger than whatever was there.

JIM
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Old Mar 30, 2007 | 01:57 PM
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Originally Posted by 427Hotrod
I don't see why not. Should be as strong or stronger than whatever was there.

JIM
I trust ya Thanks man!!!
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Old Mar 30, 2007 | 03:10 PM
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In fact, lots of places design heli-coils [or other similar brands of inserts] into aluminum parts for high torque bolts...just because they are stronger. However, be sure that you have just as many threads [or more] engaged in the insert as were in the head. You can't hold a head bolt with 1/2 the number of engaging threads as it originally had. Sometimes this means that you have to buy a bottoming drill and tap to get all the engagement possible.
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Old Mar 30, 2007 | 04:46 PM
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Originally Posted by 69any1
Can you successfully heali-coil an Aluminum block for a head bolt????
VW does it right from the factory with great success.
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Old Mar 30, 2007 | 06:02 PM
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Originally Posted by noonie
VW does it right from the factory with great success.
So does Edelbrock. RPM aluminum heads have helicoils in their exhaust manifold bolt holes.
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Old Mar 30, 2007 | 11:48 PM
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Heli-coils are used in aluminum all the time. If the alum. threads get stripped, heli-coil is the way to go.
Dave
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Old Mar 31, 2007 | 12:34 AM
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Originally Posted by 7T1vette
In fact, lots of places design heli-coils [or other similar brands of inserts] into aluminum parts for high torque bolts...just because they are stronger. However, be sure that you have just as many threads [or more] engaged in the insert as were in the head. You can't hold a head bolt with 1/2 the number of engaging threads as it originally had. Sometimes this means that you have to buy a bottoming drill and tap to get all the engagement possible.
I work for Gulfstream and we use them all the time on the aircraft.I've seen about every size that are made at work.Hey,if they use them in aircraft they gotta be strong.I haven't had to use any on my cars but I wouldn't hesitate.
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Old Mar 31, 2007 | 06:07 PM
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Like copter said, helicoils are required in the aerospace industry if your going into aluminum. We even use them in steel. Other than tool cost, there is no downside to installing them. Use at least a 1.5D helicoil, 2D if possible. That means the length is 1.5 to 2 times the diameter.
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Old Mar 31, 2007 | 06:34 PM
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Caddy Nortstar uses them. A must on some motors
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Old Mar 31, 2007 | 09:39 PM
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Originally Posted by 69any1
Can you successfully heali-coil an Aluminum block for a head bolt????
Heli-Coils are good but these are better---http://www.jergensinc.com/infodir/catalog.asp?GroupNum=304
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Old Apr 1, 2007 | 12:08 AM
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Originally Posted by calwldlife
Caddy Nortstar uses them. A must on some motors
If a Cadillac Northstar requires a head bolt repair, the ONLY approved method (by GM) is the use of a timesert insert.
http://www.timesert.com/
When installed correctly, it's stronger than the original threaded aluminum.
The head bolt repair "Kit" for the Northstar engine was designed by GM in conjunction with Timesert.

A heli-coil repair is not recommended for the Northstar head bolt repair.
I would think that a heli-coil repair in a low torque application would be fine.
Barry
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