while trying to put the coolant drain bolt (on the front of the block) i managed to strip the threads. Its been a long year and im almost done my build; is there anything i can do to fix this?

 

Re-tap it. Should be quite easy if you're block is out as well.

 

yea my block is out. im not really sure what tapping is (i know i should know what it is but is but i dont) is there a certain size tap or something that i need in order to perform a tap? is tapping basically rethreading the hole for the bolt?

and to prevent this from happening again should i put some kind of lube on the coolant drain bolt so it goes in easy?

 

Sears (Craftsman), as well as many other tool manufacturers carry what is called a "Tap and Die" set. If you strip threads, or you need to make new ones, you use this. I'll do a Google image search in a second for you and post the pic.

To prevent this from happening, just make sure you torque it down to the proper settings. Maybe put some antisieze on it as well.

EDIT: Here is the pic:


I'll edit again when I go home to tell you the proper thread/bolt size.

 

thanks a lot man

 

I'm home from work now. I'm looking at my Helms and the only thing I see is:

ENGINE DRAIN BOLT
78 N x m (8.0 kgf x m, 58 ft-lbs)
Apply liquid gasket to bolt thread when installing.
WASHER
Replace.

Perhaps remove the bolt and then measure it against any other bolt you have lying around? I'm sure that bolt will be something like most other Honda bolts (i.e.: 10, 12, 14, 17, 19mm, etc)