need some advice on a stripped bolt

[SkiDiggity]

so i stripped the bolt that holds my head pipe on. I have a factory b pipe. My question is should i just drill it out and use a helicoil or is there another way?
Thanks,
Shane

 

[grezzmky]

what part did you "strip out"

 

[Waternut]

Assuming you stripped out the manifold, put a helicoil or timesert in there and you'll be back out in no time. A little advice... If you stripped one, the others aren't far behind so you might as well do the other two.

 

[MDStandUp]

I got a helicoil set if you want to buy it from me. it comes with the inserts too. if i remember right your looking for a m8 1.25 set. set goes for $50ish i think.

 

[SkiDiggity]

i stripped the bolt out of the top of the exhaust manifold and it is a factory one i just what to make sure i am not going to mess anything up by drilling it out. what size do you suggest to drill it out to ?

 

[Waternut]

With a helicoil you drill out the damaged threads, tap for the insert, install the stainless inserts, and then you reuse the same bolts. Don't tap the aluminum to a bigger size without using an insert. If you do, you'll not only mess up the manifold but you'll probably crack the head pipe as well because the holes weren't perfectly centered (I know from experience). The 3 bolts that hold the head pipe to the manifold are M10x1.25. You'll most likely have to order that helicoil kit because no auto store will have that thread pitch. Probably cost around $30 for everything you need but the drill bit. The kit will come with a tap, a bunch of inserts, and something to screw the inserts into place.

 

[Foximus]

Its gonna be tough to drill out a 10mm stainless bolt that goes 30 mm or so... Be prepared to buy a few extra drill bits.

 

[Liquid Graffix]

Shane isn't it time to change your screen name yet?

 

[SkiDiggity]

yeah how do i change it rich? and thank you for the advice i am going to get on that asap. an suggestions as to where to order the kit from?

 

[Waternut]

Here is some place that's fairly cheap. Comes with 12 inserts so if a friend ever needs one, trade him for a tank of gas or something and you both come out ahead.

http://www.midwayautosupply.com/showproduct.aspx?productid=10763&affiliateid=10050

 

[SkiDiggity]

i can't thank you enough for your help

 

[MDStandUp]

if you dont want to buy mine you can pick up a set at a grainger store

 

[nightrider05]

Here is some place that's fairly cheap. Comes with 12 inserts so if a friend ever needs one, trade him for a tank of gas or something and you both come out ahead.

http://www.midwayautosupply.com/showproduct.aspx?productid=10763&affiliateid=10050

Bookmarked.

I believe mine are close to needing a bit of work.

Thanks!

 

[SurferSmurf]

the bolt is probably farly hard. if you get a carbide drill (start with 3/16 inch)and gently drill out the center. make sure you are close on center and you can trill it to the tap drill size and then pick out the remaining parts of the bolt out of the threads. if your not 100% on center you could use a carbide bit in a dremel to open the bolt tothe threads. only downside to doing this is you need to be almost prfect on center and you should use a drill press or mill, and if you truck up then you have busted carbide in the hole that you have to get out. being a machinist i fix this sort of thing often but you need to becarefull and patient. oh... one more thing dont to it while its on the motor.

 

[SkiDiggity]

yeah i was wondering about that see i was going to stuff towels in the manifold and then tape over the hole would that work?

 

[Waternut]

I tapped/helicoiled mine while on the motor but I taped over the hole although removing the manifold would be a whole lot smarter.

There has been a talk about drilling out bolts. The way I read the original post was the manifold is stripped...not the bolt sheared off inside the manifold. If the bolt is sheared off, I wouldn't even bother drilling it out. I'd just take it to a machine shop and have them drill it and helicoil it for you. You'll spend more money in drill bits, helicoils, and possibly destroy the manifold trying to get a steel bolt out of an aluminum part...if the drill bit skates or you slip, it's all over.

 

[SkiDiggity]

you are correct the manifold is stripped.