helicoil or...??

[Crizzle]

So here is a question for those around here that know a lot more than I do. This summer I took up racing for the first time now that I have a garage to do work in, and raced go karts at a local track here in Indiana. Ran in a flathead class and had a blast. Started out as the worst kart on the track but by the end of the season I was hanging on the lead lap and even beating some karts.

Well, last race of the season one of my header bolts stripped out of the block on the last lap or cool down lap, and but for safety wire the thing would have come off. Figure I need to take it to one of the karting shops around here that builds/ rebuilds engines to have it looked at but want to have an idea before dropping it off.

Any thoughts on if a helicoil will fix the issue or if the block is toast? No pictures because I'm out of town for work and was sitting here thinking about it. Thanks in advance!

 

[Wanna Ride]

Helicoils can work great if properly installed. I spent many years as a machinist and repaired lots of bad threads, removed broken bolts, etc. If you know what you're doing, it works great. If not, chances are good that you'll make it worse than it was.

To start, maybe it's a good idea to let a pro fix it, and try your hand at a part that's not so critical or expensive.

 

[Crizzle]

Helicoils can work great if properly installed. I spent many years as a machinist and repaired lots of bad threads, removed broken bolts, etc. If you know what you're doing, it works great. If not, chances are good that you'll make it worse than it was.

To start, maybe it's a good idea to let a pro fix it, and try your hand at a part that's not so critical or expensive.

I wasn't even thinking of doing it myself. Just trying to research to make sure what actually needs to get done to keep my header attached to the block next season gets done, and not a "fix" that will fail halfway though the year.

 

[Scout Driver]

Helicoils can work great if properly installed. I spent many years as a machinist and repaired lots of bad threads, removed broken bolts, etc. If you know what you're doing, it works great. If not, chances are good that you'll make it worse than it was.

To start, maybe it's a good idea to let a pro fix it, and try your hand at a part that's not so critical or expensive.

I agree. In the past few years, I have used a ton of Helicoils when restoring tractors. They work great. Fairly east to install, but like anything, there is a little "aquired skill" that is required when doing the job in a critical area. You already have half the battle won by having the desire to jump right into the job. Practice will win the war.

Scott

 

[vssjim]

Go ahead and buy a Helicoil kit you need and learn yourself it's not too hard and once done it won't fail again, IE: Brodix cylinder heads Heli Coills all the exhaust ports on new heads for a long life.

 

[zx9rgreen]

http://www.timesert.com/

Timesert is far better than helicoils IMO

 

[ZRX61]

http://www.timesert.com/

Timesert is far better than helicoils IMO

What he said.

 

[sberry]

EZE Lok are good too and use standard taps as well as drills. http://www.ezlok.com/Home/index.html

 

[Toolhorder]

I don't waste my time on anything but a Time-sert now. It's heads down the better way to fix these type of issues.

 

[MattT]

If you've got the room just step up a thread size. Use socket caps to make it fit if you have to. Way cheaper than thread inserts.

 

[Busted Bolts]

My vote is for timesert, hold up real well, been using them in exhaust applications for 15 yrs. Good stuff, DIY friendly too

 

[rodm1]

Check your rule book first. Year ago you weren't allowed inserts of any kind in the stock classes.

 

[asp]

Also check out Keenserts.

Drill out the hole, tap it 1 size larger (helicoil is only 0.5 sizes bigger), thread the Keensert in, hammer the tabs.

http://alcoafastener.thomasnet.com/category/keenserts-reg-inserts

 

[KW29]

I agree with everyone who recommended timeserts.

KW

 

[MartinTech]

http://www.timesert.com/

"Timesert is far better than helicoils IMO"

True Story.

I haven't used a helicoil since the first time I used a timesert.

helicoil = patch

timesert = repair

 

[Indy_500]

do it yourself, it's a teeny engine anyways.

 

[toolfreak]

Where is the best place to buy Timeserts? I have been thinking about buying a full set of them, yes I know they are pricey.

 

[Thedroid]

Helicoils work good for blind holes, and can be stronger than the original threads, especially if they were aluminum. I don't care for using them on through holes, especially if its on a frequently removed item like a drain plug or spark plug. For these items I like the Timesert. I believe the timesert are far pricier than Helicoil, so you kinda save them for the critical applications. I don't think Helicoils are a patch by any means.

 

[Heavy Metal Doctor]

Helicoils work good for blind holes, and can be stronger than the original threads, especially if they were aluminum. I don't care for using them on through holes, especially if its on a frequently removed item like a drain plug or spark plug. For these items I like the Timesert. I believe the timesert are far pricier than Helicoil, so you kinda save them for the critical applications. I don't think Helicoils are a patch by any means.

I'd have to agree with that...
I've never used them, but the timeserts look great and I'd probably use them if they where handy......but that doesn't make heli-coils a "patch" the steel they are made of is usually stronger than the material you're putting them in. I've used 'em a lot over the years with no failures. The only trouble I've seen from others installing heli-coils is the when the the installer doesn't know how to drill and tap a straight hole......but what do I know...I just get paid to fix stuff