Engine rattle - rocker stand bolt

[mercmonkey]

started my car up yesterday while I was pottering around doing a few things and noticed was rattling again

whipped the rocker cover off and one of the bolts that hold the rockers down had come loose, tried to tighten it but it wont tighten, get a bit of resistance then it slips

removed bolt, bolt fine, think the thread in the bolt hole is fubar

any suggestions on what I can do?, I think a helicoil should do it, but im just looking for other suggestions

 

[Charlotte001]

Hi you probably have two choices, the first I wouldn't recommend less you really can't afford the second. Clean the threads out, apply a fair amount of thread sealant to the bolts and refit. Second you can get a Helicoil kit (is a great thing the helicoils look like the threads out of the metal)

To use them simply drill the old thread out (with whatever the helicoil size is) insert new thread and screw into place. (ok it's a bit more complex than that but it's the basis)

 

[Ian Brown]

Try and get a tap a bit larger and with a courser thread, if it’s a unf size try a metric size or vice versa

Try here http://www.permatex.com/auto/autouh.asp?automotive=yes&f_call=get_item&item_no=81668 for thread repair

 

[mercmonkey]

thought the helicoil would be the sensible option, been looking and an M8 helicoil repair kit isnt too expensive so think ill be off to get one

did look at the thread repair chemical gunk type things and in my opinion it does seem a little "bodgy" but i will investigate these further before dismissing them

 

[turnipsock]

Helicoil is the only real option for peace of mind. There are other kits that are similar that don't have the 'helicoil' name that are just as good and a bit cheaper.

 

[mercmonkey]

helicoil kit ordered 30.00

 

[Streethawk]

Does anyone know the spec of a thread for a 200T rocker-bolt hole?

"a previous owner" must have over-tightened the bolts as (upon re-assembly after inspection) one of the threads is now in the bolt itself and another bolt is totally cross-threaded

Someone on this thread also mentioned chemical threading - anyone got any clues/leads/links on that?