Stripped thread on chevy a/c compressor (1 Viewer)

[meatloaf]

Is there a way to fix the thread on the (aluminum) a/c compressor? I flushed out the system yesterday and while tightening the bolt on the high pressure side line, the compressor-side thread stripped. This is on my 60 with a chevy vortec. Will a heli-coil work or should I tap a new thread? Again this is the high pressure side and I would hate for it to leak...

TIA,
Luis

 

[alaska60]

I would tap it. You may have to change the thread size depending on the damage....
This turn will have an effect on you high pressure line connection.... However, this can all be adapted to work. The heli coil will also work as they are designed to hold a couple hundred pounds of pressure on the block.
The question is ....what pressure does the ac high pressure line run at???

 

[1972FJ55]

I'd opt for the Heli-coil. High side pressure in an A/C system, in a worst-case scenario, would be 400+/- psi. A Heli-coil will easily handle that. Many aluminum engine blocks have Heli-coils on all the bolt holes. This also avoids going to an oversize bolt and possibly having to drill out the A/C hose connection.

 

[Wile E Coyote]

Yep, Helicoil it to avoid having to drill out the A/C hose connection.

 

[meatloaf]

Will the heli-coils available at autozone work or are they poor quality? If so, where should I buy some?

Thanks,
ML

 

[1972FJ55]

I can't speak to what AZone sells, but I'd look for the "Helicoil" brand.

Don't know if you need install info, but here's one of many videos: no affiliation, just thought it looked like a decent one.