Some how i messed up a bolt on number 8. I have moved the header out of the way and tried to thread the bolt in with no success. The bolt wants to go crooked every time. I stop before i get to far so i don't think there is major damage. Can i use a tap with the head on the? If so can i use the same size bolt?

 

Go to sears hardware, and get a thread repair kit (red case). It is not a tap kit, but repair kit. They basically reform the metal without cutting into the material. They are good for cleaning up threaded holes also.

The kit is around 50 bucks, but it has lots of sizes and you will use it again and again. I have used it in your situation, and also in my engine buildup for cleaning bolts and threads.

Even if you used an actual cutting tap, your probably only going to need to use it for the first 1/4 inch of the actual threaded hole on #8. It is likely the rest of the threads are ok. In situations like that it is good to stop your self before you jack something up, trying to make things happen.

 

Thanks for the tip. I will try the repair kit. I have tried it serval times but i always stop because it is just crooked.

 

I usually find that when the bolt does what you describe the thing is not lined up or isn't sitting flush. I usually start over and start with that one and make sure they all start before proceding.

 

This worked perfect. I got the threads cleaned up and threaded the bolt in three times before i put the header back in place. It all went great.

That is why this place is best!

Thanks

 

Great! Glad I could help. Same thing happened to me a while back.