ok, so heres my problem. b18a block had a few threads for head stripped out. replaced all 10 with timesert and locktite. i noticed coolant on #1 plug while looking for slight misfire. i decide to go deeper and remove head to inspect gasket/sleeve. the head bolt between #1&#2 was not tight (ARP studs) i tried to retorque with no luck. has anyone had this happen?

 

Could i heat block and fill with aluminum brazing rod?

 

Just find a used Ls block there cheap and a dime a dozen.

Is your LS block stock?

B20 blocks are even cheaper!

 

Maybe where YOU are. Not here or in much of the Midwest

 

Not very cheap here in TX. B20 is cheaper but still around$500 from salvage. Machine shop has a 4 week wait and can fill/drill/tap for $100/hole.

 

HAHA! Well I guess CA is good for something!..

 

I'm considering using map torch and alumaweld brazing rod. Fill hole with stud still inside. Think it may work?

 

Not with the amount of forces those hold to keep that head together, no.

 

i left stud and timesert in hole and melted brazing rods in the hole to fill. i was able to torque to 75 and its holding. hope ita a forever fix. thanks guys

 

How do you know if that is clamping force between the head and the block or just compressing the filler rod in the hole against the bottom of the head?

 

I'm assuming the brazing rod has bonded with the aluminum of the block. I'm keeping close eye on it to be sure but so far it seems to be fine.

 

Only way you'll know is if the stud doesn't stretch and the thread ruined.

What we typically do is get the Oversized thread kit (only the timeserts themselves) as the oversized timeserts are the same ones used in the Cadillac NorthStar V8. I picked them up from TimeSert on Amazon, so I didn't have to purchase an entire new kit.
But, you found your solution (hopefully not temporary), so, my suggestion is MOOT at this point. *shrug*

 

Yeah I wasn't sure how you were going to be able to clean and prep down a hole to be able to get brazing to adhere. If you actually able to prep the rod and the hole properly I know the brazing would be strong enough to hold. However, I am not confident you could even remotely prep the area properly without removing exactly what you did not want to remove at all.

I wish you the best of luck in your venture.