Heli Coil Inserts
Has this happened to you? You are putting the valve cover back on, RTV meticulously placed, all is well, and then the ratchet turns and turns. Stripped bolt. You try all kinds of things (remove washer, JB Weld, RTV etc.) so you don't have to take that cover back off. Well, here is the fix. Unfortunately, You start by removing the valve cover....
The following is using the HeliCoil kit for thread repair see parts for kit number. The following instructions are for the kit #5546-6. Please read instructions with the kit also!
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Here is the head with valve cover off. The middle
hole is stripped out. This is the AWD engine with 105K (dirty, please
excuse).
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The pic shows a 1/4" Drill Bit (or whatever size your kit calls for, they make different size kits). You can usually take the bolt to an auto store and they give you the right. I strongly suggest measuring the depth of the screw and placing the collar on the drill bit the same distance (or less ) you measured to prevent drilling too far down. You do not want to drill too far down into the head! |
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Important: Cover the head to keep the metal shavings out. I used a towel with WD-40 sprayed heavily around the hole on the towel. The moisture of the lubricant will cause the shavings to stick to the towel. Drill the depth necessary to insert the coil (collar off in this pic, sorry). |
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Use the Tap provided with the kit and stick it on the drill. Holding it level, drill the tap down at a medium speed. It does not take long to tap it with the drill. When it starts to seize or stop reverse the drill and remove. You will see the threads created for the insert. (Drill Not level in pic, wasn't drilling, stopped to take picture) |
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Place the insert in the opening of the tool provided.
Turn it clock wise until the screw part goes into the insert and catches
the tab at the bottom of the insert. For reference: the top of the pic
is the bottom of the tool.
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Place the tool over the hole (Let the tool float) and turn clockwise with pliers or your hand until the insert is below the top of the hole. The tool is made of plastic and will break so keep that in mind while turning it. (I have since noticed after buying another new kit they are now metal.) If for some reason the insert does not go all the way in, you can clip what is sticking above with some snips.
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Turn the tool counterclockwise and remove it. You will see the new thread insert in there. Remove the towel and make sure there are no metal shavings in the head. I am planning to do every thread on my rebuilt engine head (where valve cover bolts on) because the inserts are stainless steel and stronger. Keep in mind that over tightening the bolt will crack the valve cover. Click Me |
