stripped exhaust bolt hole

[Guest]

Hey guys. Iv got a quick question: this weekend i took my headers off to wrap them. As I was putting them back on this evening, I noticed that one of my bolts wasn't tightening up. I removed the bolt and looked up in there, and the threads are ate up...so now, what are my options? I'm going to guess that I'm not the only one this has happened to. I'm very new to motorcycles and just got this one two weeks ago...any advice would be great at this point!

[barnbiketom]

helicoil it.

this involves buying the correct helicoil and drill bit kit.
you drill it out, use the included tap and then screw the helicoil in and presto chango..
new threads.

[Kiwi Canuck]

Here's a link

Try this, you will need a drill bit 21/64th, so if you order both items you will be over $25.00 and get free shipping. (kind of like getting the drill bit for free)
If you are installing this yourself, you need to make sure you drill very straight and then tap straight or the thread will not align with the collar and cause you more grief than you alreday have.

I had to install 7 of them and I got one a bit off which sucks.

http://www.amazon.com/Helicoil-5546-8-Metric-Coarse-Thread/dp/B0002SREP4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1369710244&sr=8-1&keywords=heli+coil+8mm+1.25

[almarconi]

Helicoil or threadsert. You may have to remove the head depending in the location.

[fannin88]

I had read and watched a short video about helicoil, but I was just seeing if there was some sort of magically easier way. Haha, I guess I'll have to give it a shot. I believe I can do it on the bike...well, I sure hope so anyway. My biggest concern is keeping everything straight.
I was sure hoping I could find something with the same concept of concrete anchors, where it would bite as you torqued the bolt?
Thanks for the quick replies!

[Toasty]

It would be a good time to swap the original bolts out for studs, no more stripped threads.

[tkent02]

It would be a good time to swap the original bolts out for studs, no more stripped threads.

Before the threads were stripped out would have been a better time.

[bwringer]

Whatever you do, DON'T drill too deep. Go JUST far enough to get the insert in.

I seem to recall a hapless GS-er a few years back who couldn't figure out why oil was dripping from one of his exhaust bolts...

[fannin88]

I plan to go to Napa sometime this week and order my helicoil kit. Thanks for the guidance guys!

[1980GS1000E]

It would be a good time to swap the original bolts out for studs, no more stripped threads.

This..........