Actually, the threads that the bolt "bolts" into in the lower manifold stripped. Basically, I was installing a spacer and tightened the bolt too much, now it's just barely snug. and keeps spinning Is there an easy fix to this, or will I eventually need to replace the lower manifold (please no!). Thanks in advance.

 

I would think a helicoil would work.

 

Probably, but how do I know when to stop drilling and what about the metal shavings? Even if I changed the oil, one little shaving could find its way into a pushrod or something. Would getting the next size up bolt/thread do the trick without using a helicoil?

 

Measure the depth of the threaded stripped hole or the depth of the bolt, mark the drill bit to that depth.

 

Use a magnet to retrieve as many shavings as possible..... or is it aluminum? If so could I get a hand pulling my foot out of my mouth please?

 

Yup, it's aluminum (that's what caused the problem in the first place). The darn stuff is too soft sometimes, especially for threads. I swear, I wasn't pulling that hard and SNAP...stripped. I guess I'll leave it alone until I notice a problem because of it.

 

I have used a product called JB Weld. My work for your application. It's a thick liquid that hardens like steel. Coat the bolt let sit till tacky and replace in aluminum till snug should hold for your application.

 

Hmm, that's not to bad of an idea. Only problem would be if I needed to ever take the manifold off again. Does that stuff break easily? Would it break before the bolt broke if I tried to take the bolt out again? Thanks.

 

I have drilled aluminum carefully with somebody else running a shop vac right next to the drill bit sucking up the shavings.

 

I wouldn't think so? Those bolts should be tempered steel. The problem being after all the years of heating and cooling the bolts become weak. I like to replace these bolts just for that reason.

 

I thought about that...getting a slightly longer bolt (especially since the addition of the 3/8th in. spacer) with the hopes that the threads will re-catch and i'll be in the clear. We'll see. Thanks for the advice.