So upon removing my oem manifold for the first time, the majority of the threads in one hole in the head came out with the manifold stud, that came out with the nut. So, I assume helicoil-ing it is the appropriate route? Is this something I should attempt to do on my own having never done this before, or take to a machine shop? Definitely have the appropriate tools to do it, only the guy knowledgeable enough that would typically give me a hand is currently house ridden to do surgery.

Suggestions?

 

Can't imagine why you couldn't do it. If machine shop, would you pull the head?

 

I recommend either a time-sert or a king sert. A helicoil is kind of a cheapo way to fix this, and much less of a permanent solution. Easy to install without removing the head.depending on which hole you stripped. ..

 

Agreed on the king-serts. Helicoil is a cheapo way out; may not stay in place. You want the ones with a positive locking mechanism to stay put.

If you're not comfortable to do it yourself, at least pull the head and take it in. Having the car towed in to do it in place is just one more variable to eliminate.

 

So you mean these?

Keensert

 

Yeah, I had the name KING in my head. Maybe it was a brand I used. Maybe my memory sucks. Either way, those are what you want. McMaster Carr could have them to you in one day.

 

Good deal. Will look into the Keenserts. Thanks! My only concern, and maybe it's just over thinking things, but could this be done with a hand drill (as opposed to a drill press)? Will the bit follow the original hole enough that it remains perpendicular to the flange?

 

I wouldn't worry about it. Maybe have someone spot you, just to make sure that your not holding the drill at some jacked up angle. It's amazing how you can be certain that you are drilling straight, and a dude walks up and tells you that you are crooked as hell.

 

About to do this. You have like an hour to tell me to stop. Keen serts purchased, and require an M14 hole. I'm scurred.

 

wait wut?

youre saying a stud came out with the nut, but also took threads out with it?

 

Were those the thin ones?

 

yes. It is a smooth hole in the head now.

 

Yes, the thin ones.

 

Well finish it up, so we can see!

 

There were... complications.

More info when I fix it.

 

Awwwww crap. Sorry man. I hope it doesn't involve water or oil.

 

Nah nothing that bad. Threads didn't cut deep enough, I need bottoming tap. Trying to get the thing back out is a bit of a bitch. Trying something though. I think it'll work.

 

Wish I had noticed that, as you did post a pic of the tap. I think I tend to rush through the posts. A much better problem than a breakthrough. Take your time.

 

So here's what happened...

I drilled the 12.5mm hole, and tapped it m14x1.5. The problem was, when i threaded the insert in and tightened it down (using a bolt), it didn't go in far enough. And the bolt backed out without the insert. So, it was stuck.

So what we did was used red locktite put a bolt in, and let it sit overnight. Bolt came out perfectly the next day.

Since i didn't really feel like paying $40 for the only bottoming tap I could find locally, we used an angle grinder and rounded just the slightest bit of the insert. Worked great. MUCH better than a helicoil. Highly recommend it.

I paid: $6 for the insert (x2 for the one i broke with locktite), $7 for the tap, and $7 for the drill bit.

Pictures:

 

Great! Those inserts are awesome aren't they?

On a side note, I have used and burned up every angle grinder on the market, the orange 4-1/2" harbor freight one is the best. The on sale $14.00 price tag is also a plus.