[littlered380sl]

Ok guys, let’s see how good you are. I’ll leave out how I cross threaded the top hole for the tensioner and just say I got the tensioner back in by using (2) 3inch long same thread bolts with nuts on top and eased the tensioner back in. This seems to hold thus far. However I am taking car into the shop to have the timing chain and all associated guides replaced but fear the top bolt for the tensioner will not hold once removed or messed with. All so for peace of mind I would like to fix this so as not to worry driving the car. Please suggest any and all ideas. I have some thoughts of my own. (?) take out long bolt and re-insert with “loctite” blue or red knowing red it will not come loose or out (which at this point I can live with unless there are other solutions out there). I am not happy with having 3inch bolt rather then the original size bolt but...? The car will never be a show car so I can live with this idea. Other ideas, not sure if they (shop) can do a “Heli-coil” insert because it seams that the bolt hole is in a “Pocket” type of design and the Heli-coil may just be too large. Are there any high temp adhesives that might work? Don’t think “JB Weld” would work with the high heat? Can hole be re tapped larger? I really just don’t know what to except. Would like to have your ideas before I take car in this Monday. Thanks a bunch guys, Rick

 

[Aussiemerc]

For heaven's sake DON'T glue it. Ask the shop to check it out when they remove it for the TC job. It will probably hold well enough with one good one for a short time.

 

[isthisdave]

Other ideas, not sure if they (shop) can do a “Heli-coil” insert because it seams that the bolt hole is in a “Pocket” type of design and the Heli-coil may just be too large.

Very easily accomplished.

 

[littlered380sl]

was just asking? Just wanted some ideas before taking to shop. Thank you.

 

[littlered380sl]

isthisdave, wasn,t sure if they could heli-coil it because of the "poket" type design? If they can heli-coil it, then that is probably the best, and long term fix?

 

[reno4u2]

IIRC the bolts are 8mm...not sure on the thread pitch. The correct size tap may clean it out if not too bad. Heli-coil or one size larger tap...either way you'll be drilling.

 

[hornetball]

Aluminum threads. Heli-coil FTW.

 

[isthisdave]

isthisdave, wasn,t sure if they could heli-coil it because of the "poket" type design? If they can heli-coil it, then that is probably the best, and long term fix?

That it's not a through hole is not an issue. As to long term, the Heli-Coil threads will be stronger than what you damaged.

 

[nobby]

As to long term, the Heli-Coil threads will be stronger than what you damaged.

Agreed. I have one sparkplug hole in my aluminum head that has a helicoil. this is not a temp repair. This is stronger than original.

 

[rockcrusher]

Loctite Form-A-Thread Repair Kit 442-28654 (6/CASE)
Loctite Form-A-Thread Repair Kit Form-A-Thread repair kit grey - 4.8ml, Loctite Form-A-Thread Repair Kit, Loctite Tapping and Threading Tool

Form-A-Thread stripped thread repair kit. Permanently repairs stripped threads and fasteners. Works on threads up to SAE Grade-5 and/or 8.8 metric. Allows up to 128 ft-lb torque applications once cured. Dual-compound "mixing" formula and cure compounds. Instructions, applicator, and mixing tools included. Five minute fix.I used this to repair a stripped bolt on a Harley Sportster transmission case, worked great. It is an option to a heli coil, when clearance is at a minimum.

It has a two part epoxy and a release agent you put on the bolt, clean the hole real good, fill the hole, insert bolt, let it set up, remove the bolt...Google it.

RC

 

[rwa73]

Rick, if you know how deep the blind hole is ,you could bottomout a stud with blue locktite..theres got to be more threads down there in a blindhole ore a bolt would bottomout. If you decide to go heli-coil I might have the kit. I work in a machineshop and I might have what you need to save ya some bucks,heli kits are not cheap. Cheers Scott

 

[littlered380sl]

Thanks everyone, I'll go with the Heli-coil.