Question about repairing a strip header bolt

gnx547 · May 14, 2007

Today I was checking for any loose headers bolts and I came upon one, where it just kept on turning and turning and wouldn't get tight at all...I pulled off the bolt and cleaned up the threads and still won't tighten up...I know the threads are messed up...I was think about using a helia coil repair kit..I have see some kind of thread repair kit that you smear on and it repairs the thread...What would be the best way to repair it?

irish · May 14, 2007

I'd run a thread chaser through it and try a new bolt...

stang&2Birds · May 15, 2007

gnx547 said:
Today I was checking for any loose headers bolts and I came upon one, where it just kept on turning and turning and wouldn't get tight at all...I pulled off the bolt and cleaned up the threads and still won't tighten up...I know the threads are messed up...I was think about using a helia coil repair kit..I have see some kind of thread repair kit that you smear on and it repairs the thread...What would be the best way to repair it?

I have used the form-a-thread stuff successfully on the head bolts that are used to hold down an iron exhaust manifold. The headers are more of a pain since they flex more. You could try it.

The right way is to heli-coil the hole. But, that could be a huge pain with the heads on the car.
Heli-Coil Install. Olds Quad 4 head example.
http://www.veryuseful.com/GM/tech/heliCoilInstall/

TheUser · May 15, 2007

Yeah, heli-coil would be the *best* way that I know of, but you'd really need to pull the head to fix that.

It sounds like you've chased the threads with a tap, but if you haven't, do that. Make 100% sure it's the correct size and pitch before you do it or you will have to heli-coil, period. The heli-coiling isn't hard, but pulling the head to do it would be a major PITA.

Good luck

gnx547 · May 15, 2007

I have heard of a thread chaser, but I never used one..would anyone have pic of what it looks like?

getusummm · May 15, 2007

You should be able to helicoil it on the car. Worst case, get a 90* adapter for your drill at harbor freight and cut the drill bit to where it is just long enough to do the job.

jammer84_03 · May 15, 2007

helicoil it. had the same prob when i got a set of gt40's and didnt check the threads. ended up helicoiling it. but you can do it with the heads on the car. just make sure you get it in straight and not at an angle. u can use the header flange as a gude if necessary to get the preliminary hole started, and then pop in the coil. presto!

Daggar · May 16, 2007

getusummm said:
You should be able to helicoil it on the car. Worst case, get a 90* adapter for your drill at harbor freight and cut the drill bit to where it is just long enough to do the job.

I don't consider this to be a great idea. You can end up doing more harm than good if the hole is not straight.

stang&2Birds · May 16, 2007

Daggar said:
I don't consider this to be a great idea. You can end up doing more harm than good if the hole is not straight.

Yup, what he said!!

Question about repairing a strip header bolt

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