Date:         Tue, 29 Feb 2000 06:52:20 -0800
Reply-To:     "Buettner, Peter" <PGB@DOLBY.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         "Buettner, Peter" <PGB@DOLBY.COM>
Subject:      Re: helicoils, stripped threads
Content-Type: multipart/alternative;

I used a Time-Sert kit (http://timesert.com) in a similar situation.  The
kit came with all the tools (except a t-handle) needed for the job.  That
includes the right drill.  The Time-Sert kit was about half the price of the
Helicoil kit.  Since the drill only removes the thread it's not really
necessary to use an electric drill.  Drilling it out by hand with a t-handle
did the trick for me.

Good luck,
Peter

-----Original Message-----
From: Carrington, Tom [mailto:tcarrington@RELITECH.COM]
Sent: Tuesday, February 29, 2000 6:15 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: helicoils, stripped threads


I had the exhaust bolts strip out for the cylinder underneath the
thermostat. Those are probably the worst ones to fix. I did have to remove
the thermostat housing and disconnect a few hoses, but that was all. I used
a 90-degree drill attachment from Home Depot and a self-shortened drill bit
to drill through the flange on the exhaust pipe and into the cylinder head.
The Helicoil tap was next, which ended up putting threads in both the
exhaust flange and head. Just start screwing the helicoil into the exhaust
flange, and continue turning it into the cylinder head. Then re-install a
stock sized stud and you are done. Took me about 2 hours...I would have
pictures but I did this in the rain (don't ask) and did not want to risk my
camera.

TomC
tcarrington@relitech.com
http://www.relitech.com/tomc
http://volksweb.relitech.com
85 Vanagon Crew Cab
82 Westy diesel=>gas conversion
65 Notchback

> -----Original Message-----
> From: Woody Halsey [SMTP:WoodyHalsey@COMPUSERVE.COM]
> Sent: Tuesday, February 29, 2000 8:19 AM
> To:   vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject:      helicoils, stripped threads
>
> Dear List,
>
> Yesterday, as my kind mechanic and I were replacing the broken bolts on
> the
> alternator bracket of my 83.5 (marvelling that the thing had not flown off
> before I noticed it was loose, cursing the design that made it virtually
> impossible to reach the bolts to tighten) we noticed that the bolts were
> loose (1) or missing (1) where exhaust pipe attaches to the block. It
> turned out that the threads in the block are stripped. The mechanic said
> the only way to repair it properly is to drill the hole, tap it, install a
> helicoil and then replace the bolts. To get a straight shot at th hole
> with
> a drill, he fears he will have to disassemble part of the cooling system
> and take off the manifold. A long and expensive job.
>
> Has any one ever faced this before? Any tricks or tips?
>
> Thanks,
>
> Woody

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