Stripped Cylinder Head Helper Bolts

[handyjoe]

I'm pretty sure that two of my three helper bolts are stripped. They all refuse to tighten to spec, and the CHG has been leaking oil for some time now.

Can I helicoil the holes without removing the head? I know it won't completely stop the leak, as the leak path has already been established, but if I can get another season out of it without replacing the head gasket I'd be a happy camper.

The related question is can I helicoil the front bolt from the top? It threads in from the bottom, but the threads should go the same either way. Has anyone tried this before?

[earlfor]

What are "helper bolts"?

[handyjoe]

The three M6 bolts that are on both ends and front of the cylinder head. I've heard smaller, lower loaded area bolts referred to as "helper bolts" before, and didn't know what to call them here.

[Homie]

seems to me that it would be a lot of aggravation trying to helicoil the front one with the head still on, especially if the engine is in the frame. you would have to drill and tap it from the top. then when you threaded the helicoil in, the tab end (the side that you break off with a punch), would be on the side where you would be attempting to get the bolt started. depending on how clean a break you get on the tab, it could make it tough to start the bolt. and what about the other bolt that is stripped? dunno how you could do that without taking the head off. got a couple months of winter coming up. seems like a good time to pull the head and fix both the stripped bolts no?

[gearhead13]

I dont think those bolts to a whole lot. Have you retorqued the main head bolts? I torque mine up to ~35lb with stock studs.

[DanTheMan]

Those bolts are important. They keep the proper pressure on the o-ring areas. If they're loose or stripped, it's going to leak oil. The only way to do it right and only mess around with it one time instead of multiple times is to pull the head and do it right the first time.

[handyjoe]

Well...crap. I was trying to avoid pulling the head. I think I'll try to limp it along another year, as I just put this head gasket on last year and they're rather expensive.

[earlfor]

Those bolts are important. They keep the proper pressure on the o-ring areas. If they're loose or stripped, it's going to leak oil. The only way to do it right and only mess around with it one time instead of multiple times is to pull the head and do it right the first time.

I was just going to say that without those bolts, its going to leak oil like a cow splattering a flat rock. LOL

Earl

[earlfor]

Well...crap. I was trying to avoid pulling the head. I think I'll try to limp it along another year, as I just put this head gasket on last year and they're rather expensive.

Normally, you would replace the base gasket and "O" rings also when replacing a head gasket. Otherwise, its just going to leak down below instead of on top.

Earl