stripped upper intake manifold bolt

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Apr 5, 2004 | 12:34 PM

ejpreston

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stripped upper intake manifold bolt

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.

Apr 5, 2004 | 04:01 PM

Ken00

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From: South Jersey

I would think a helicoil would work.

Apr 5, 2004 | 04:11 PM

ejpreston

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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?

Apr 5, 2004 | 04:18 PM

WildOneCraig

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From: Marsville Canada

Stripped Upper Intake

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

Last edited by WildOneCraig; Apr 5, 2004 at 04:26 PM. Reason: ENTERED TO SOON

Apr 5, 2004 | 11:17 PM

Distilld

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From: Salem, Or. by week, in th

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?

Apr 6, 2004 | 11:15 AM

ejpreston

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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.

Apr 6, 2004 | 11:57 AM

WildOneCraig

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From: Marsville Canada

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.

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Apr 6, 2004 | 02:22 PM

ranger pat

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From: Elk River, MN

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

Apr 6, 2004 | 02:34 PM

#10

WildOneCraig

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From: Marsville Canada

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.

Apr 6, 2004 | 05:33 PM

#11

ejpreston

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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.