Rapid Robert
Well-Known Member
threads stripped. can I resolve this without pulling the pump/drill/tapping the hole in the block. thank you for your time. RR
Water pump mounting bolt wont tighten
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DartDave73
Well-Known Member
Helicoil.
Likely not.
engines always need an insert if it holds the brackets
coils are great for small stuff, but not critical attachments
coils are great for small stuff, but not critical attachments
Depending on which bolt this is, and how deep the threaded area is in the block, some times (emphasize SOME times) you can luck out and fix the problem with a longer bolt. The extra length gets you into some usable threads.
Professor Fate
Push the button, Max...
Which bolt?
3 thread into the timing cover, the other 4 go through the timing cover and thread into the block.
If it threads into the timing cover, you may be able to repair it in place after removing the pump.
If it threads into the block, you'll have to remove the pump and timing cover to repair it.
4spdragtop
Well-Known Member
And there is a bolt(or 2) that can crack a cyl. wall if you use the wrong length bolt.
DartDave73
Well-Known Member
A properly installed helicoil will yield threads stronger than the original threads. Most overlooked step is forgetting to use threadlocker to secure the insert. But, this is my opinion on this. I'm sure someone will debunk this, so use this advice or discard it.
4spdragtop
Well-Known Member
Bolt pattern
Emphasis on “which bolt”, because there’s that one spot where a longer bolt will hit the cylinder liner and can cause some REALLY expensive issues.
Edit: never mind, I think that one’s just on the timing cover not through the pump
There's no way in heck I'd put a heli coil in the block, if that's where the offending bolt hole is. I'd use something like this in the appropriate size.
THREAD INSERT
THREAD INSERT
Just curious - why not a helicoil?
Rapid Robert
Well-Known Member
the 4" bolt at 11 o'clock. good info guys & much appreciated. I was thinking a length of all thread/locktited in but it looks like it has to come apart unfortunately. RR
dano
Evil Handy Man
I do not like them because they require a special tap. I've had the tang break before it was in flush. I've had the tang grab and gall the threads. I prefer Keen inserts or the one Rusty shows.
Heli coils are not meant for heavy duty usage. A bolt that runs into the block needs a heavy duty thread insert.
That's one of the bolts that goes into the block right next to a water pump port. It needs to be right. In fact, I would inspect them ALL. If that one is bad, the others may not be far behind.
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mopowers
Well-Known Member
Helicoil and forget about it.
tjpatte
Well-Known Member
Heli coils are used to mount equipment on submarines that must withstand high level shock testing, think depth-charging. Think it would work for a water pump.
Hey man, use whatever you want. I don't care. A Heli coil is just a coiled up piece of straight wire. The thread insert I linked to is a SOLID threaded adapter. Submarines sink, too. Ever thought of that?
tjpatte
Well-Known Member
Yep, every time I submerged in one. As long as the surfaces match the numbers of dives you’re good.
Every shock test that I’ve experienced in qualifying equipment certification for equipment mounting and operation I’ve never seen a heli coil fail. Anyone can use whatever they want, however stating that they are not meant for heavy duty usage is incorrect.
Every shock test that I’ve experienced in qualifying equipment certification for equipment mounting and operation I’ve never seen a heli coil fail. Anyone can use whatever they want, however stating that they are not meant for heavy duty usage is incorrect.
Well, I've witnessed FIRST hand some of them pull out when trying to torque to spec. But yeah, I agree 100%. Use whatever you want.
Why do you think the solid insert you linked wouldn’t pull out? Both that solid insert and the helicoil have a strength that is determined by the surface area of the threads they engage and the base metal they’re in.
Point is, that insert can pull out too. That “coiled wire” has additional advantages too, because the coiled wire is actually larger than the threaded hole it goes into. That tensions the coils, and allows expansion and contraction so the helicoil remains tight even if the base metal is expanding and contracting because that tension can bridge the gap in expansion rates. The solid insert wouldn’t be able to do that, so, a difference in expansion rates of the insert and base metal could (at least theoretically) loosen the solid insert.
Helicoils are frequently used in aviation too. They’re not a problem for a water pump fastener. Like anything, proper installation is key.
Rapid Robert
Well-Known Member
I'll get after it. thanks guys for the comprehensive replies. I couldn't do it without your knowledge. RR
Like I said. Use whatever you want.
Of course, you can do whatever you like. But the idea that helicoils aren’t “heavy duty” is nonsense. Plus the water pump bolts only have a 30 ft/lb torque spec, which really isn’t “heavy duty” anyway, they’re only 3/8” bolts.
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