HELLLLLP!! Bolt Hole Stripped!!!
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 1,699
Likes: 1
From: Westampton NJ
HELLLLLP!! Bolt Hole Stripped!!!
I was putting together my engine and discovered a big problem. The rear lower head bolt (farthest to the rear, next to the #7 spark plug, one of the last to torque in the sequence) went in and felt like it seated. I started the torque sequence and tighened each bolt in order to 35 ft-lbs. Going around the second time at 50 ft-lbs, I noticed that the bolt just spun and spun. I backed the bolt out and checked the threads and it looked fine. I was able to put a small straw in the hole and when I pulled it out there were peices of metal on the straw that appear to be the threads from the bolt hole in the block.
So, the question is, how do I fix this? The car cannot be driven out of the garage. I also do not have the capability to pull the block from the car. There is a machine shop less than 2 miles down the road.
:smash:
So, the question is, how do I fix this? The car cannot be driven out of the garage. I also do not have the capability to pull the block from the car. There is a machine shop less than 2 miles down the road.
:smash:
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 1,621
Likes: 7
From: Orlando Florida
Re: HELLLLLP!! Bolt Hole Stripped!!! (rainman69)
I feel your pain. It's happened to me.
Here is what you will need:
Right angle drill
New drill bit
Heli-Coil Inserts with the correct size.
Alignment fixture to keep the drill angle correct. (Your machine shop should have one. See if you can borrow it.
Don't worry it can be repaired, as long as you can get the drill on the hole.
Good luck :seeya
Here is what you will need:
Right angle drill
New drill bit
Heli-Coil Inserts with the correct size.
Alignment fixture to keep the drill angle correct. (Your machine shop should have one. See if you can borrow it.
Don't worry it can be repaired, as long as you can get the drill on the hole.
Good luck :seeya
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 1,699
Likes: 1
From: Westampton NJ
Re: HELLLLLP!! Bolt Hole Stripped!!! (smokin75-427)
Right angle drill
New drill bit
Heli-Coil Inserts with the correct size.
Alignment fixture to keep the drill angle correct.
New drill bit
Heli-Coil Inserts with the correct size.
Alignment fixture to keep the drill angle correct.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 2,065
Likes: 1,395
From: Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
Re: HELLLLLP!! Bolt Hole Stripped!!! (rainman69)
I believe that a Heli Coil would do the job in a steel block.
However, there is a stronger fix, http://www.timesert.com
Timesert is the ONLY way to repair threads in an aluminum block.
I've used the Timesert product and they are great.
A Heli Coil won't hold in an aluminum block.
However, there is a stronger fix, http://www.timesert.com
Timesert is the ONLY way to repair threads in an aluminum block.
I've used the Timesert product and they are great.
A Heli Coil won't hold in an aluminum block.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
5 Best & 5 Worst Corvette Daily Drivers
Joe Kucinski
The Headlights of Every Corvette Generation Explained
Joe Kucinski
5 Best & 5 Most Overrated Corvette Track Packages of All Time!
Joe Kucinski
Every 2027 Corvette Engine Explained
Joe Kucinski
Designer Imagines A Corvette That Looks More Like a Corvette Than the Corvette
Verdad Gallardo
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 4,844
Likes: 0
From: Pearland TX
St. Jude Contributor
Re: HELLLLLP!! Bolt Hole Stripped!!! (rainman69)
Napa... Autozone... any of them sell Heli-coil kits. I believe they even come with the correct bit and the installation tool for the heli-coil if you want it. If you tell any parts store where the stripped bolt is they can give(sell) you the kit. It's a piece of cake to do it. And amazing how well it works.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 1,699
Likes: 1
From: Westampton NJ
Re: HELLLLLP!! Bolt Hole Stripped!!!
Thanks, everyone, for the help so far. How do I ensure that I drill straight and how do I get a drill in there if I can't get a right angle drill?
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 1,621
Likes: 7
From: Orlando Florida
Re: HELLLLLP!! Bolt Hole Stripped!!! (rainman69)
If you can fit a small standard drill in the engine compartment, then I would use that. I mentioned the right angle because you would have more room to get the angle correct. The fixture I used was a custom made piece that the machine shop I use made. You know you still have to take the head off, so a regular drill may work. I believe your correct on the thread sizes. I have a BBC and I've forgotton some of the sbc sizes ect. I spent two hours tapeing and preparing the block ect. for surgery. It only to ten minutes to drill and replace with the heli-coil. :flag
