Alternative fix for stripped threads

[SyntheticShield]

This seems to be a better way of doing things in my opinion, never heard of them before or seen their products on the shelf.


++ TIME-SERT Threaded inserts for stripped threads, threaded inserts, thread repair , stripped sparkplug's, Ford sparkplug blowouts, threaded inserts threaded, repair stripped threads, stripped threads, inserts threaded inserts, Ford spark plug repai

[whitcomb]

drill it and tap and throw in a healacoil(spell?)kinda the same?

[archemedes]

that's what I was thinking, looks like a helicoil, and they are available local

[SyntheticShield]

helicoils, while Ive never used one, scare me for some reason. I guess the thing that I like most about the Time Serts is the flange so they wont keep threading into the hold that you are repairing. Helicoils may do the same, I dunno, like I said Ive never used them.

[Toasty]

the timeserts are solid material. the heli-coil's are not. the helicoil's are essentially what they're called-- a coil of heavy gauge wire rolled up... (kinda like a spring) and are more fragile, being made this way. While i haven't used the timeserts, they certainly do look like a better option, if your application will not be harmed by the extra flange at the top.... though it looks like by application, that thickness may vary. --- this is one of those YMMV posts like oil, tires, gas, etc etc

[IndeedSS]

Nice find.

[SyntheticShield]

I thought so, but again Ive never used helicoils either, so I dont know how reliable they are. I always seen them as an emergency fix rather than a semi-permanent one that the Time Serts seem to be.

But toasty is right in that however thick that flange is, it will back off your spark plug, for instance, that distance out of the chamber.

[IndeedSS]

Hmmm never thought about ever having to put that in for a stripped spark plug location. How does someone strip threads installing spark plugs?

[SyntheticShield]

I would think more possible on aluminum heads rather than iron ones.

[02BlueGT]

Yeah some dumb*** did it at my school...

Go hot rod around the lot in a boosted aluminum 4 cylinder, then quickly try to take the plugs out of an aluminum head, and the threads come right out with the plug

Same kid ran 40+ psi on his stock DSM and wondered why it broke

[SyntheticShield]

Yeah, that doesnt sound very bright. I dont think I would pull plugs out of any car that was hot or warmed up with aluminum heads.

[IndeedSS]

I'm not the brightest bulb when it comes to mechanical stuff, however, I've never stripped a spark plug, aluminum heads or not. Oh crap, I've cursed my self now.

[SyntheticShield]

I havent either, but with the popularity of helix coils apparently many people do. And I always like being prepared. Furthermore, its not necessarily limited to spark plugs. You could use it in an array of places on an engine.

Not that they make one that small, but I did strip out the stud mounts in the blower for the TB and I had to re-tap them for 1/4-20, which given that its aluminum, thats what it should have been to start with not the friggin fine thread crap M6 x 1 that they used. I dont understand the mentality to use fine threads in something like aluminum.

[IndeedSS]

I havent either, but with the popularity of helix coils apparently many people do. And I always like being prepared. Furthermore, its not necessarily limited to spark plugs. You could use it in an array of places on an engine.

Not that they make one that small, but I did strip out the stud mounts in the blower for the TB and I had to re-tap them for 1/4-20, which given that its aluminum, thats what it should have been to start with not the friggin fine thread crap M6 x 1 that they used. I dont understand the mentality to use fine threads in something like aluminum.

You are right the TB studs worried me the few times I've had them out. fine threads+aluminum= bad

[Reptile]

Helicoils are cheap and easy to use. I've put several heads on using them....even on Abrasive's car.

[Iron Indian]

My old S/C case had Helicoiled TB stud threads. Two of them stripped out the second time I removed the TB (the studs pulled right out with no torque, on a cold motor at that). I Helicoiled all three of them, replaced the studs and never had a problem. Although if my current S/C case every strips i'll probably tap it for a different thread/stud.

My HVTB STG2 which I bought used years ago had a stripped hole for the throttle cable bracket. I helicoiled the bad one, its worked fine and that bolt has been removed several times with no issues.