[Jmark]

You will actually drill it oversize even more, then use the special tap (it's not a standard size!) to make the threads for the helicoil insert. When it's done, it will be back to 3/8"-20.

Just make sure you don't let it grab and drill into the timing cover!!! LOL Mark the depth on the bit with a small gas line clamp to keep the bit from shooting through.

[Sin7]

Originally Posted by Jmark

You will actually drill it oversize even more, then use the special tap (it's not a standard size!) to make the threads for the helicoil insert. When it's done, it will be back to 3/8"-20.

Just make sure you don't let it grab and drill into the timing cover!!! LOL Mark the depth on the bit with a small gas line clamp to keep the bit from shooting through.

gotcha...

Thx for the gas line clamp tip. I usually use tape but it tends to slip.

[Frisco]

Originally Posted by Jmark

When it's done, it will be back to 3/8"-20.

It's 3/8-24.

That is 3/8 National Fine series.

There is no such standard thread size as 3/8-20.

[Sin7]

Originally Posted by Frisco

It's 3/8-24.

That is 3/8 National Fine series.

There is no such standard thread size as 3/8-20.

Thanks Frisco.

I'm gonna fix that today so I'll follow up with pics

[Jmark]

Originally Posted by Frisco

It's 3/8-24.

That is 3/8 National Fine series.

There is no such standard thread size as 3/8-20.

I stand corrected!!! LOL Not sure where that come from. OH well, getting old sucks!! Glad for the correction.

[JeffB]

Originally Posted by Jmark

You can get specific size packs at almost any auto parts store. I believe those are 3/8" fine thread? (don't hold me to that! LOL) You will get a drill bit, special tap and about a half dozen inserts. Very simple to do, even in the car. Used them myself the first time on a bunch of stripped holes in my TH350 tans valvebody.

Since you are here in Phoenix the nut and bolt store across the street from The Chrome Guy on 67th ave 1 blk south of Northern sells them seperately.

[Sin7]

ONCE AGAIN I'D LIKE TO THANK YOU GUYS FOR YOUR HELP...

I picked up a helicoil kit from NAPA and fixed that stripped thread. I must admit that it wasn't until yesterday that I had ever heard of a Helicoil. I was worried i wasn't going to be able to do it myself. But just like every other thing i've done to my car, i'm proud to say i did it myself.

Here are some pics. Most of you could care less to see these, but i'm posting them up for the next person who runs across this. Hopefully they'll be useful to them...



After drilling the hole I tapped it.


Carefull not to go to far:




insert the coil...


New threads.


Good as new:

[Jmark]

Good Job!!! It's always fun to learn something new, especially when it works first time. Helicoils can be used in just about anything too, cast iron, aluminum, plastic, heck, maybe even in wood too!

[FEDDO]

advance has the kit. correct size drill bit, insert, and insert tool. just used one this past w/e. about 20 bucks. if you want it straight, take the balancer off.

[Sin7]

Originally Posted by Jmark

Good Job!!! It's always fun to learn something new, especially when it works first time. !

you got that right

[techinspector1]

"Mark the depth on the bit with a small gas line clamp"

See there, just when you thought you knew everything there was to know, Mark comes up with a jewel like this.

[Jmark]

Wanna take a guess why I needed to come up with that one? LOL


BTW....what kind of camera were you using? Very good pictures for such close quarters. I just got a Canon S5 IS and still learning.

[Sin7]

Originally Posted by Jmark

Wanna take a guess why I needed to come up with that one? LOL


BTW....what kind of camera were you using? Very good pictures for such close quarters. I just got a Canon S5 IS and still learning.

its a Nikon Coolpix S5.....

My wife locks up my Nikon D40 when i'm working on the car....

[boatbob2]

HI,on the bottom of the heli coil theres a little *** that goes across,after you drill,tap, and put in the heli-coil,you have to take a small punch and break this *** off (from the inside) if you dont,the heli coil will work its way back out. breaking the *** off,locks it into place.

[Sin7]

Originally Posted by boatbob2

HI,on the bottom of the heli coil theres a little *** that goes across,after you drill,tap, and put in the heli-coil,you have to take a small punch and break this *** off (from the inside) if you dont,the heli coil will work its way back out. breaking the *** off,locks it into place.

uh oh, i didnt break the tang off...