how do you fix stripped threads?

[colbystephens]

so one of the tapped holes which is used to bolt the starter to the block on my engine is stripped. how do i go about repairing it? it's working fine right now to only have one bolt holding it on there, but i don't like that. i'm not familiar w/ how to tap holes or anything of that nature. a bit o help is appreciated.

 

[az-k5]

Get a heli-coil. You drill the hole larger and tap it large then screw in a thread adapter of sorts.

 

[colbystephens]

without using a drill press, how can i assure that i'm drilling straight upwards?

 

[az-k5]

The existing hole won't let you go to far from strait.

 

[fabjunkie]

Just keep the drill as straight to the block as you can. A little bit of variance won't hurt for what it is, and you only have to really worry about it at first. You can do it! All night long!

 

[muddybuddy]

without using a drill press, how can i assure that i'm drilling straight upwards?

a firm grip and eagle vision. do you have a tap and die set?

 

[colbystephens]

a firm grip and eagle vision. do you have a tap and die set?

not yet...

 

[colbystephens]

You can do it! All night long!

ya got that right.

 

[diesel4me]

use...

I use a peice of round stock as a guide while drilling a hole with a hand drill,to keep it square..a hunk of 1" round stock with the size hole your drilling in it,squared off on the end,held against what your drilling, works well to keep the drill aligned properly..

Be aware Heli-Coils use a special tap to cut the new threads it screws into--they are NOT the same as ordinary taps!..also,other similar brands of thread repair inserts do NOT use the same taps as Heli-Coils!..once you get a Heli-Coil installed,they are usually permanent repairs..

I've seen many 6.2's JUNKED because the starter bolts loosened up,and a chunk of the block got torn out!..I'd fix yours ASAP,or it'll suffer the same demise..

 

[colbystephens]

thanks for the tip, Diesel. in the 6.2 block, are there any oil passages that i need to be cautious of if i'm opening the hole up a bit? this is the hole on the outter passenger side.

 

[fabjunkie]

I don't anything about 6.2's, but I'd think that you'd be safe on the outer hole. The Heli-Coil's will come with the tap you need to insert it.