Question regarding thermostat housing bolt removal

[clandr1]

Ok, so I went to change my thermostat (doing a radiator/hose swap, so figured I might as well), the bolt broke, and I drilled out the bolt because it wouldn't budge after PB, heat, and an Easy Out attempt.

So, I just re-tapped the hole with a 5/16-18 sized tap. I installed a new bolt from Home Depot (stainless) with some anti-seize on it.

I filled up the radiator with water and ran the truck for 10 minutes w/ the heater on high and so far no leaks. I plan on getting the coolant flushed at the shop tomorrow so everything is fresh.

Is there anything I missed in performing the bolt extraction/rethreading that may cause it to leak in the future? I've heard people talk about heli-coils but since I was able to retap the hole, is that necessary?

Thanks!

 

[badmix]

Stay away from heli coils, I havent seen one ever hold.

If youve got the room to retap and get good threads and have room for the bigger bolt, go for it (since you already did. lol).

Just drive it and keep an eye on it. make sure you get it up to temp so the thermo opens.

 

[clandr1]

Just drive it and keep an eye on it. make sure you get it up to temp so the thermo opens.

Thanks for the input. This is my plan for tonight & tomorrow -- figure I'll drain the radiator when I get home, fill it up with 50/50 mix and drive it for a while tonight, getting the temp up to normal operating temp (around 210 for my truck) and then checking for leaks. If it stays dry then I'll sleep a lot better tonight.

 

[sweetk30]

good reason to swap another intake on for more power.

 

[clandr1]

good reason to swap another intake on for more power.

Hey if you can float a brother a loan I'll be more than happy to deal with that pain in the ass

 

[Corey 78K5]

This thread reminds me of why my intake has two different size bolts on the thermostat housing. Been that way for about 15 years now and works fine.

 

[clandr1]

This thread reminds me of why my intake has two different size bolts on the thermostat housing. Been that way for about 15 years now and works fine.

QFTMFT. One of mine is 5/8 and the other is 5/16:

 

[Corey 78K5]

Yeah mine are the same size. Remember to use anti-seize when putting bolts in aluminum.

 

[munepit]

A buddy of mine re-tapped mine. Works great. If it doesn't leak after you drive for awhile, no worries. Don't lose any sleep over it.

 

[Madspeed]

That 5/16 bolt should be fine. I use a mig weldor to remove all broken bolts, It never has failed to work for me yet
I have also never had a heli coil fail either that just makes no sense if you think about it the coil is stronger than alum and now the hole its in is larger for more surface area in the alum to hold it.