Stripped Cam Shaft Cap

I read the warning in the forums too late about checking my spanky new torque wrench to be sure it clicks before I used it. I guest they have to be "worked" a bit before they work right. I stripped the threads in the inner exhaust cam shaft cover where the valve cover bolts on.

I read that a replacement cap might not be in spec, so I am wondering if using a helicoil is appropriate here. Also, the manual is pretty particular about removal and replacement order, but that is for a complete tear down. Can I just pull this one out, put in a helicoil and replace it, or do I have to pull out the sprockets etc as per the tear-down.

Chacal, chime in here with a part number and price if a straight swap is OK.

Thanks!

edit: Harbor Freight has a 5-size metric thread repair kit with about 30 inserts for $60. Think it's time I got my drill press from my ex's.

 

heli-coils are awesome! DO IT!

 

Zookie400 -- thanks!
Harbor Freight did not have the metric version in stock, and being the impatient soul I popped for the name brand. I did drive 45 minutes round trip to my sort-of-ex's to pick up my drill press and work table, and the job went smooth.

BTW I am pretty sure the PO's mechanic over-torqued the valve cover bolts in the first place, and I know for a fact he pinched the gasket. Can't blame him for stripping it out though!

Chacal's advice to replace the rubber washers was right on; mine were visibly compressed.

Anyhow, got it all back together (using elmer's!!!) and torqued correctly, and yippie! Went for a longish ride checking every few miles and no leaky!

 

Hey...

I've got 2 stripped cam caps (the inner 2 on the intake side). what size helicoil do you recommend for the job. I have my cam cover bolts bolted down but the inner 2 are pretty much just sitting there held in place by a bit of gasket sealant.

Been meaning to fix them for a while.

Thanks,

K.

 

bring a bolt with you to the parts store, and see what size it is. you need to know the size of the bolt, you cant just screw on the h-coils until one fits because they are sprung out until screwed into the hole...you will end up with the wrong size. i dont know what size those cam bolts are, someone may chime in who knows.

 

redcentre003 -- glad to know I'm not alone! I took the bolt in like Zookie suggested.

 

Far from alone I did it too - Helicoil saved the day.

 

Is the guy who invented the HeliCoil rolling in dough?
What an invention!
Think of all the things saved by simply inserting a HeliCoil!

We should send the guy a Thank-you card and all sign it!

 

the "heli-coil" was first invented in 1936 by Ananda K Coomaraswamy, who was born in 1898, in Simurgh, New Persia, the only son of Bina & Pahlavi Coomaraswarmy. originally intended to be used as a contraceptive device, it was eventually employed to renew reemed out bolt holes.

 

Heli-Coil® from Emhart is the inventor and innovator in the precision wire insert business. Heli-Coil® invented and designed the original product in 1938. Heli-Coils provide a strong and permanent thread into tapped holes.

 

.
And just how did they find out that it renewed reemed out bolt holes?
:lol: :lol: :lol:

 

From the inventors experiment on Aircraft Engines stripped-out Spark Plug Holes.