Helicoil question
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 4,640
Likes: 0
From: Sunshine State
Originally Posted by ArKay99
The helicoil is just slightly larger than the bolt hole, about the thickness of the threads of the tap. The drill to make the hole would have made the hole the size it was after cleaning it out. When I ran the tap in, it cut threads into the bolt hole walls the thickness it needed to be to accomodate the helicoil. The only thing I didn't do was run the tap in to the bottom, because the helicoil was only about 1/2" long. I only tapped the hole deep enough to have the first turn of the helicoil about 2mm into the head. Helicoils are much stronger than the aluminum so I was confident that it could hold 18lb/ft of torque.
As stated above, the aluminum being soft probably helped this process and the outcome was I didn't have to drill out the hole any larger.
As stated above, the aluminum being soft probably helped this process and the outcome was I didn't have to drill out the hole any larger.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 1,769
Likes: 147
From: Penfield NY
Originally Posted by ArKay99
Lou, read my post. I screwed the one up right in front of my face! At least you picked one that we can say, "oh, that one! that one's tough to get to." I think everything I've done I have messed up at least once while learning how to do it. That why I was saying to get a machine shop to make you a jig. Taking the head off a pretty big job. I don't think you can get to the back bolt from underneath even with the header out.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 3,558
Likes: 2
From: Cape Coral FL
Originally Posted by C5LOU
I've put alot of mods on my car, from headers, intake to exhaust (multiple times), brakes, interior pieces, shifter, etc, etc, etc, and in almost every case it took me twice as long as most guys and I made enough mistakes to fill a bushel basket! The reward to me is being able to say that I did it myself and didn't have to pay someone else to do it, regardless of the amount of cuss words I used up doing it! I screw up everything I do at least once, but I keep at it. Heck, my LG header install took me the better part of 3 days and multiple calls to LGM, but they're on and up until I did the gasket replacement they were perfect! However, I find myself in this situation and I'm hesitant to mess with these soft aluminum heads given where this bolt is and the potential to make the whole situation worse! It's a bit scarey to me to do what you're suggesting. I guess I have to build up the courage first!!
