grendal

Hi guys,

I'm in the cam install process. I was trying to turn the motor to line up the timing gear dots... I used a socket as a spacer for the snout bolt, but the socket was too long, so not much thread was really in the crank. As a result, when I turned on it with a breaker bar, the threads took a dump and stripped the last few threads on the bolt big-time...

However, when I look inside the crank snout, the threads look a little rough, but MAY not be stripped..... I may be able to thread a bolt into them with a new bolt.

If not... then what? Assuming my goal is to NOT remove the engine from the car.... Any recommendations for trying to thread in a new bolt other than "take it easy"?.... I was taking it easy before, I just didn't realize how few threads were actually in there

Thanks,

Michael

Phatcaprice

Same thing happend to a crank on a 3800 motor I was working on. Some metal shavings must've got in there and on the way out with the bolt, out came a lot of thread with it. Solution? Lots of locktite and I did with whatever threads I had left. No problems since. I've even taken it off again to do a timing cover gasket, just locktited it again and it seems to be holding. Or you could re-tap it for a larger bolt, but that would suck. GL.

Mtrhds94Z

I'd use a tap to 'chase what's there and if that doesn't work, 'Heli Coil' it..

Mindgame

Just clean the threads out real good. If the new bolt starts easily then you have no problems. If it doesn't then chase the threads with a tap. Shouldn't be a problem either way.

-Mindgame

grendal

Does anyone know FOR SURE if the crank bolt/hole/threads are 7/16-20 ?...... Reason I ask is I've been using a 16mm socket to tighten/untighten this bolt.

I need to find a new bolt and buy an appropriate tap set to clean the threads it sounds like....

Thanks,

Michael

grendal

What's a helicoil?

-Michael

Phatcaprice

A Helicoil is a thread insert. Drill out old threads, tap an oversized thread and insert new thread. It looks like a spring, but is a new thread piece for bolts. Some claim these are stronger than regular threads.

Ken95Z28

Chase it first than if not Heli-Coil is the only way.
Yes, it's alot stronger and the better way to go.

thewinner

the threads are for sure 7/16-20.

grendal

Thanks! Keeping my fingers crossed. All the hardware places were closed by the time I got ready to go out, so I won't be able to get a good new bolt til tomorrow to see what my situation is.

If I need to, where do I get helicoil kits, and do they provide detailed instructions? I've never tapped a hole in anything, so treat me like I'm dumb when it comes to that, heh.

-Michael