help! 2f stripped headbolt thread (in block)

[fieldsken1]

I just got my head back from a rebuild and while torquing it back down I stripped #14 which is up against the fire wall. After reading this thread, I decided to use a time-sert. I called the manufacturer and they do not offer a M13X1.75. So I decided to up-size the bolt to a M14x1.5 and use the 28mm inserts.This bolt fits in the head without drilling it out, and is much more readily available. The problem is, even with a right angle drill, I can't get quite get square.

Anyone have any clever ideas to get this drilled and tapped short of pulling the engine?

Yeah cut the drill bit making it shorter that way the drill is closer to the block giving it more room to the firewall

 

[nitroid13]

If any body watches powerblock or powernation as it's called now on spike tv or cbs sports. They give a wonderful video how-to on how to do this on horsepower tv, one of the 4 shows on powerblock. The 4 shows comes on at 8 on Sunday mornings on spike. You can also get the full episodes online

Sent from my iPhone using IH8MUD

 

[FJcovet]

I already cut the drill bit once. I think I can cut another 1/8 inch, but the bit is bigger than my 1/2 chuck. We will see if that will be enough.

 

[Weber Sarge]

You could support the engine from underneath , loosen the rear engine mounts and drop the front engine mounts out to allow it to angle down a bit , might help .
Sarge

 

[Chachie]

Shouldn't you use the Red Locktite on the insert

 

[FJcovet]

I was able to cut the drill bit shorter to get it square. In goes the tap.

 

[Weber Sarge]

Don't get crazy locking that Timesert down , may just crack off that corner . Some of those inserts require quite a smack to set them tight with the collar tool .
Sarge

 

[Howard705]

There are other manufacturers of these inserts if you were to need a different thread size.

 

[FJcovet]

The tap went in smooth and the sert screwed in easily with red loctite.



I had to file down the alignment ring because the time-sert sat a little high. FelPro gasket on.

 

[DAD2SIX]

Nice work

 

[Curbsidediy]

First off thank you, there is tons of information and research in this post done by you all thanks again. The only thing I can add is that time serts does not make an insert for this mm and pitch. Yes I called them directly, they make 13mm x 1.5 and 2.0 just not the 1.75. It tells you how reliable the 40 engines have held up. I have two head bolt threads in need of repair. I have ordered a recoil kit for the 13m x 1.75 but it is back ordered, 14 weeks away.
From my research the company makes them in Australia, thus the delay. But I am hoping someone has 2 left over in their tool box and may be willing to sell them or I can replace yours when mine are arrived. Once you are on a roll you want to move forward.
Living in Northern California I have talked with Valley Hybrids a vendor on our site who provided much help in my search.
Any help is totally appreciated.

 

[fjwagon]

Man, I hate when a bolt gets stripped or in this case the block itself...for whatever reason. I try to install bolts by hand so if it bolts on with a little binding I like to clean the thread with a tap. Takes longer especially if got several to do. But saves a lot of work of drilling the broken bolt and possibly retapping. But stuff just happens.

The other trick I learned is get a piece of stock and drill it with same size on a drill press. Take that "block" and use it As a 90* guide to drill your hole perpendicular. I have even used a 2x4 as a last resort for a guide. Good luck.

 

[Curbsidediy]

I agree. I plan on using the head as a template so I can make a guide for the new insert if I can acquire one. I did use a tap to clean the threads but those two bolts wiggle too much when installed by hand all the way. Perhaps my next step will be to tap it to 14mm x 1.75 if i can find a bolt of the same length and strength.
Thanks for the advice.