Stripped header bolt

[philkilla]

Hello all. My google-fu has been less than helpful so far.

I've long suspected I had an exhaust leak after my ARH headers were installed, and after dropping my k-member yesterday sure enough I found one.

The drivers side top right bolt was loose, and after swapping gaskets I attempted to torque the bolt; it did nothing but spin.

Should I attempt to re-tap for the current size (M12-1.25 I believe) or tap it for the next size up? I'd like to think of a helicoil as the last resort...

Also, can anyone recommend a specific brand of bolts? I ordered the "locking bolts" from mr. gasket for my year, but they are M8-1.25.

 

[2012 Boss 302]

Why is a helicoil a last resort ????

 

[philkilla]

Fear of the unkown? I've never done it before.

 

[vortecd]

Can you use one of the stock studs? May be longer then the bolt and be able to screw in to some threads.

 

[philkilla]

I could give it a whirl, but I was under the impression they were one time use.

 

[vortecd]

Nuts will go on and off the studs as many times as you like as long as they don't strip. If they do you get a new nut. It is best to use the factory studs when changing headers. Sometimes a stud may be in the way where you have to use a bolt. On my Hooker headers I only had to use 1 or 2 bolts

 

[philkilla]

Well I'll definitely give that a whirl when I get home today.

 

[Derek@Lethal]

Try using the stud first but I would go straight to the helicoil if the stud doesn't work out.

 

[philkilla]

Will do Derek. Just out of curiosity if it comes to helicoil, what size drill bit would I want to use with the current threads of M12-1.25x25?

 

[Derek@Lethal]

Looks like most of the kits include a 31/64" drill bit.

 

[philkilla]

Ah, well that simplifies things haha.

 

[philkilla]

Stud was a no go. Hopefully I cam conduct helicoil ops in there. It's the top right/rear bolt on the drivers side.

Oh, and the bolts are M10-1.25x25.

 

[basspro302]

I prefer the time sert over a helicoil although I've never had an issue with them.

 

[Derek@Lethal]

I prefer the time sert over a helicoil although I've never had an issue with them.

Another great option.

 

[philkilla]

Looks like a helicoil is a bit cheaper. The hard part will be getting a drill to fit up in there; I'm throwing the idea of either lowering the motor or lifting the front of the car up higher.

 

[Slowb00st]

Looks like a helicoil is a bit cheaper. The hard part will be getting a drill to fit up in there; I'm throwing the idea of either lowering the motor or lifting the front of the car up higher.

How about a 90 deg drill adapter, the hard part of it all is drilling it strainght.

 

[philkilla]

That would be a good start haha. I'll need to get a decent drill too.

Isn't it funny how simple projects tend to evolve into something more?

 

[Modular Racing]

For bolts we offer a nice upgrade for those looking >> http://www.modularmotorsportsracing...ge=product_info&cPath=4_30_32&products_id=866

 

[philkilla]

/kill thread

 

[Vert]

/kill thread

As in you got it fixed?