Ideas for stripped threads on camcover bolt

[jimfj]

I have a 77 GS 550 that I rebuilding and after adjusting the valves and replacing the cam cover gasket, I noticed that the front cam cover bolt (#1 exhaust) is stripped and because it won't tighten, is leaking oil.

Anyone have a tip on how to fix this with out too much trouble?

 

[Souske]

Timecert sounds like the best bet

 

[jimfj]

not sure what a Timecert is?? Like a helicoil?

 

[Souske]

Same idea as a helicoil, but a solid insert, as opposed to the wire of a helicoil type

 

[posplayr]

helicoils have always worked for me (and they are relatively cheap once you have the kit). The SS coil probably fuses itself to the aluminum and I have never had one back out. The Timcert would need a really big drill to make a big enough hole and that is always worrysome with an aluminum engine with so many bolts (busting through to someplace you don't want to go). For a small block V-8 fine , but to me a Timecert is overkill for this application (less than 10 ft lbs)

 

[Guest]

http://www.timesert.com/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Threaded_insert


I agree with Jim (posplayr) a heli-coil should be more than sufficient for that repair. You can get them at most auto parts stores...

be sure to use the exact specified size drill when opening up the hole - you may have to purchase the drill bit separately, depending on the quality of the kit you buy.

 

[blowerbike]

1/4-20 SAE.
it will self tap.
its not brain surgery.

 

[JEEPRUSTY]

Be careful with any of the methods listed. The material is easily cracked.

 

[tom203]

1/4-20 SAE.
it will self tap.
its not brain surgery.

This is why I like threading aluminum!

 

[DimitriT]

1/4-20 SAE.
it will self tap.
its not brain surgery.

I've got 4 of these on my bike. 10k miles later and all is well.
Back it in and out a few times. Feel for the limit. Don't torque
it to spec.

 

[keman]

Yep, 1/4-20 is the easiest fix. If you get a self tapping bolt it's even better.

 

[Dogma]

Some PO put a 1/4-20 in my 1000G, and it wasn't working well. I pulled the remains of some of the threads out of the hole when I got the bike and put an M6 back in. That particular hole has let go almost completely. I don't have much confidence in 0.35 mm more screw diameter doing me much good.

Still if it works for others... It just seems to me like one of those YMMV sort of things.

 

[blowerbike]

its a valve cover bolt that torks@ 90-100 inch pounds.
its not going any where.
hell i use them on cam caps when i'm in a pinch(drag strip ect..)....same tork specs.