Txdragon

Ordered the helicoil kit. Had to order the drill bit separately but, 42 and change was the total cost. "I need this 5 minutes ago" shipping was free! I will have that tomorrow to get this engine build back on track. Thanks for all the input here!

DaX

iTrader: (1)

Improvise. Adapt. Overcome!

NonovUrbizniz

Oh man! Just read through. Good luck with the helicoil kit!

Txdragon

Ooohhh yeeaahh.. I'm about to throw hands with this punk..

turboLScrx

JRCivic1

This was a head stud hole in the block that was damaged, right ?!?

Txdragon

Yuppers

JRCivic1

Is your installation tool long enough to get deep down into the block ???

Txdragon

I don't think it will be an issue. *shrug* If, for any reason it does, I wouldn't be surprised. I would then turn all my hope for sanity over to Amazon and Ebay as potential ..

maxwellmercer

I used the same kit, I had to weld an extension when I used it for the head studs.

Txdragon

I watched a couple helicoil repair vids and it didn't seem that anyone else used an extension. I have a long 1/4" socket extension I can modify if need be, and of course if it'll fit. Lol!

Txdragon

Can't see it very well but, it's done! Gonna let the thread lock cure and should be on the way. I didn't need an extension or anything, followed the directions to the letter. Drilled out old threads, but not too deep! Tapped until I felt resistance, stopped. Apply thin coat of high temp permanent thread lock to outside of the coil.. Insert coil til resistance, stop. Smooth sailing. Almost too smooth..

turboLScrx

Good stuff! Glad it went that smooth for you ..... I’m going to save my congrats until you tighten that one. Lol.

DaX

iTrader: (1)

Sending good vibes your way!

Txdragon

Yessir.. I'll celebrate when I get that one to 60lbs. Lol!

Txdragon

So.. Good news, bad news.. Good news is that the repaired bolt hole held ARP recommend torque like a champ!! Bad news is that I popped ANOTHER thread on a different hole. Sigh.. I'm gonna hit all these now so I can put humpty dumpty back together again!

turboLScrx

wow! I wonder what happened to make the head bolts want to strip out like this?

DaX

iTrader: (1)

I was worried about this happening. Yeah, might as well put inserts in all 10 holes now.

2x0

Fatigue life of aluminum. No matter how much (or little) force is applied to it, it has a finite life span.

Also possible that at some point in it's past, the head studs were torqued improperly.

turboLScrx

makes me cringe knowing that I torqued mine to 80

Txdragon

Not sure why that happened. I had them torqued just fine beforehand and it was stock when I pulled it from the junkyard last year. Still had the stock headgasket too. Lol!
Anyhow, I see now what the "extension" is needed for; there are a couple bolt holes that will not fit the helicoil tool. I was able to drill with no issue but that's where I hit the wall. I suppose I can shave the tool shaft down to fit properly but after dealing with this **** all day today, I'm ready to just go find another block. Maybe I'll just go ahead and CSS that one.. ****...

JRCivic1

I have found that blocks that have gotten HOT seem to get a bit brittle... especially with "D" and B20B/Z blocks. Pulling threads out of head bolt holes is common.

TheShodan

iTrader: (14)

I hear ye, man. On my block (which was GE sleeved originally in 2003) when the threads stripped was due to the number of times the head has been torqued & removed, and torqued and removed over the years. I was the original owner of my block, so I knew that after so many races and head package change outs, it always starts out with either one or three at a time (in no particular order). I used a standard TimeSert set, and with my friend to help, we did all 10 of the holes.

On another block that my cousin bought that was already GE sleeved (bought used), there were already helicoils in it. Several of them were damaged already, as whoever had the block before had gone through a LOT of aftermarket head stud use/abuse. My machine shop wound up drilling them out, to use oversized TimeSerts, since it had already been helicoiled once. Turns out, the TimeSerts used as an Oversized application are exactly the same one used were the same ones that a GM NorthStar V8 uses!! The tooling was all the same except for drill bit. So no one had to purchase another kit, just 10 Oversized TimeSerts.

My point is that it's not a mistake to try the Helicoils due to cost. But you may CSS another block that is trustworthy, but now that you've seen this happen, have the CSS CNC WERX Team check out those stud holes first. I know for myself, I'll never use helicoils for headstud holes ever again. I could use helicoils on other areas, but not where so much tensile strength is used.

I'll post a few photos and video if you're interested

Txdragon

The pics and vids are great documentation. Post them. I have a block already. The issue on that is this one had a bent rod and it smacked the bottom of the cylinder. I'll need to have it checked to see if it's good to use still. In my eyes, it's fine. I'm no professional though. If it's good, that saves me 120 off the bat. I'm considering getting it CSS and will have them inspect the holes for sure. I **MAY** have them just time-sert it for futureproofing. I'd hate to spend the money on the block to have it brought down by something as petty as bolt threads. Lol

Txdragon

So... Situation update.. A local buddy of mine is chomping AT THE BIT to trade me for his B18C1 EK. it runs very well, I helped him with a few things in it. Body is straight, paint needs some help, interior is so-so.. Lots of clear coat peeling and a couple minor interior pieces missing. I don't Care about the little stuff like that. All I ask is straight body, as mine is, and VERY FEW, if any, mechanical hiccups.
Mine is not running but easy enough to get going with the stupid head bolt hole repairs. WELL OVER 5000 bucks invested..

I haven't said yes, but I haven't said no... I think all I'd keep is my turbo and wastegate. I haven't even discussed any details of a trade yet. I'm pissed and would hate to make a rash decision over a bullshit issue. Sigh..