Date:         Wed, 10 Jan 2001 13:11:30 -0800
Reply-To:     Jim Arnott <jrasite@EONI.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Jim Arnott <jrasite@EONI.COM>
Organization: WetWesties <http://wetwesties.org>
Subject:      Re: Stripped threads in cylinder head, to fix?, now?, how?
Comments: To: "Mladen, Zoran" <zmladen@solant.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

One could also install a Heli-coil. BTDT too.  Hence the need for the
Keen-sert. Opening the hole to accept a stepped stud leaves you
relying on the aluminum threads again.  Installing a Heli-coil once
again depends upon the integrity of the aluminum threads.  Installing
a barrel style locking insert gives you a stainless steel threaded
hole that is pinned to the aluminum threaded hole of a significantly
larger surface area.

FWIW, the stepped stud lasted about an hour.  The Heli-coil lasted
about a week with daily tightening of the fastener. The Keen-sert has
lasted six months (so far) with no maintenance.  If it does eventually
fail, the only alternatives will be to weld up the hole and start
again or replace the head.

Do it right and do it once.  Or take the easy half measures and mess
with it for years.

BTW, for those who don't know what we're talking about... <http://www.keensert.com/>

As always YMMV.

Jim