Stripped Thread Repair

[AHa]

I need to repair some stripped threads in a bolt hole. The hole is in the water pump housing and is not in a good location. Rather than tear the motor down, I was looking for an easier fix. It looks like Loctite Form a thread is a good solution. Does anybody have any thots or alternatives?

[jpage]

Without actually seeing the extent of the damage, I would think the best way to repair would be to use a Heli-coil kit and replace the threads altogether. While it's a little expensive, these do a great job.

[Larry Schramm]

Heli-Coil will probably work fine.  GM has as their essential tool the TimeSert repair kit.  It is different than a HeliCoil as the Helicoil is a special would wire and the Timesert is an actual piece set of threads that is inserted into a redrilled hole where the other threads stripped out.  It is inserted and then swedged into place so it will not move.

 

Your biggest issue is how much room do you have to do the repair.  Both will require drilling and tapping the stripped out hole.

 

Look here for more information on both repairs.

 

https://www.google.com/search?q=time+sert+vs+helicoil&sxsrf=AOaemvI1UX1f6_OxFEuK43ANDi-v7wunEA%3A1643306022108&source=hp&ei=JtzyYYTgAvymptQPjaa24A0&iflsig=ALs-wAMAAAAAYfLqNm-EyX0XzHyKa9eAqh5QHtmc_dSX&oq=timecert&gs_lcp=Cgdnd3Mtd2l6EAEYAjIHCAAQgAQQCjIECAAQCjIECAAQCjIECAAQCjIECAAQCjIECAAQCjIECAAQCjIECAAQCjIECAAQCjIECAAQCjoECCMQJzoECAAQQzoOCC4QgAQQsQMQxwEQowI6CwgAEIAEELEDEIMBOgQILhBDOgcIABDJAxBDOgUIABCSAzoICAAQgAQQsQM6BwgAELEDEEM6BQgAEIAEOgsIABCABBCxAxDJAzoOCC4QgAQQsQMQxwEQ0QM6CAguEIAEELEDOgcILhCxAxBDOgsILhCABBDHARDRAzoKCAAQsQMQgwEQCjoHCAAQsQMQClAAWNcOYJsraABwAHgAgAGHAYgBnAaSAQM2LjKYAQCgAQE&sclient=gws-wiz

[AHa]

That is the problem. I'd have to tear the motor back down to get the part where I could install a helicoil or similar repair, hence I wanted to know it anyone had tried Loctite form a thread, or similar repair. The Loctite product has good reviews on the web.

Edited January 27, 2022 by AHa (see edit history)

[nearchoclatetown]

Can you tap it a little deeper and use a stud, then put a nut on the outside?

[hidden_hunter]

I did some googling on the Loctite product and the only people I can see talking positivity about it are sponsored posts most people seem to say it doesn’t set

 

I used a timesert on a manifold and had worked perfectly 

[ryan95]

I have tried the loctite kit and did not care for it. I always look for a Metal on metal solution when possible.

[pont35cpe]

Loctite, no. Fix it right.

[ryan95]

Can you show us where the hole is and what's in the way? It would help with coming up with the best plan for you.

[Matt Harwood]

You know in your heart the right way to do it, you just don't want to. I understand that all too well. But doing it right means you'll never think twice about it later when it starts to make a strange sound on the road.

 

There is a right way to do it and you know what it is. You just have to gather your resources and do it. It sucks, but it will be a relief later, I promise.

 

[Bloo]

I have used both and I like heli-coil because it takes a smaller hole, and will work in some places time-sert wont. If there was ever enough metal around the hole to hold a time-sert, it could still be done after the fact if the heli-coil does not work out.

 

I wouldn't use form-a-thread or any glue based solution.

 

Edited January 28, 2022 by Bloo (see edit history)

[AHa]

Thanks guys.

[Rivguy]

Can you drill it out and tap it for a slightly bigger bolt?

[nearchoclatetown]

On 1/28/2022 at 9:28 AM, Bloo said:

I have used both and I like heli-coil because it takes a smaller hole, and will work in some places time-sert wont. If there was ever enough metal around the hole to hold a time-sert, it could still be done after the fact if the heli-coil does not work out.

 

I wouldn't use form-a-thread or any glue based solution.

 

As I remember both Heli-coil and Time-serts use an STI tap, same size. Difference is Time-sert requires you to counterbore for the flange. 

[Bhigdog]

Well, at least nobody said JB Weld..................Bob

[chistech]

I used Time serts when repairing the stripped out head bolt thread in my block. Looking at the inserts themselves they look slightly larger in diameter than a Heil-coil. 

[Larry Schramm]

Helicoil is a wire wound spring as the insert, but a time-cert is a solid thread insert.  I vote for a time-cert if you can get one.  If not, then a helicoil.  I have used both with good luck, but prefer a time-cert especially when going into an aluminum base like an aluminum block or an aluminum oil pan with a stripped out oil drain hole.

Edited February 3, 2022 by Larry Schramm (see edit history)