Hi all! I am in need of a little advice.

I have a problem with the upper bolt that holds the timing chain guide in place. This is on a 2000 5.4L Expy, passenger side. It appears the threaded socket which the bolt is inserted into is stripped.

Is this something I can fix with a helicoil or similar? Should I use an insert made of aluminum? Helicoils are usually steel I believe. Will the metal type and temperature make a real impact in that area? I was also considering just drilling and tapping for one size up. But I will need to make sure the larger bolt will work on the guide.

Any advice?

Thanks in advance!
john

 

Comcast dies half way through posting.

Grrrr....

Sorry about the double post.

 

Just use a Heli-Coil in there. I would stay away from drilling larger and tapping as you may go too deep and few DIYers have the bottoming taps needed for this job.

 

Thanks Moto,

I was thinking heli-coils would be fine, but wanted to double check. I used to do machinist work a while back and I actually have a set of bottoms taps. But I was thinking it might be over kill, and I dont think the larger bolt will work anyway.

 

I think that would be the best plan.