How To Fix A Stripped Bolt Hole In Engine Block?
The bolt hole can be stripped easily due to becoming careless while working with the engine. However, fixing a stripped bolt hole isn’t as challenging as it sounds. Knowing how to fix a stripped bolt hole in the engine block will let you handle this task successfully in your at-home garage.
In the following, we have listed several ways to fix a stripped bolt hole in the engine block so you can choose according to your available tools. Plus, we include a know-how guide to replacing stripped bolts in the engine block.
How To Fix A Stripped Bolt Hole In Engine Block?
The easiest way to fix a stripped bolt hole in the engine block is to use a threaded insert kit. This kit includes a specially designed drill bit that enlarges the bolt hole to put a threaded insert in it easily. Then, flush with the engine block, and you can screw in the bolt easily.
Helicoil Insertion
The Helicoil Insertion method is used to fix a stripped bolt hole in an engine block. This method involves inserting a Helicoil insert into the stripped bolt hole. The Helicoil insert is a coiled wire insert that is used to repair stripped threads.
Once the Helicoil expands and locks into place, creating a new, strong thread for the bolt to grip onto. This method is used when the stripped bolt hole is too small to be repaired with a tap. Follow the below steps to do this:
- Drill a pilot hole in the center of the stripped bolt hole. The pilot hole should be the same diameter as the Helicoil insert.
- Insert the Helicoil insert into the pilot hole.
- Use a tap to thread the Helicoil insert into the engine block.
- Install a new bolt into the Helicoil insert.
- Torque the bolt to the proper specification.
- Repeat the process for any other stripped bolt holes in the engine block.
- Install the engine block into the vehicle.
- Install the engine accessories. Done!
Alternatives to fixing a stripped bolt hole in an engine block
Drill and tap method
If you don’t have access to a threaded insert kit, then you should try this drill and hit process.
It’s pretty much the same method as the previous one, except you need to use a drill bit to expand the stripped hole.
After enlarging the hole, simply tap it so you can add threads. Then use a bolt that is one or two sizes larger.
Epoxy method
If you want to avoid a method that requires intense holding power to fix a stripped bolt hole in the engine block, epoxy is your way to go. Using epoxy also helps avoid adjusting the bolt size and the tough step of inserting threads.
Simply fill the bolt hole in the engine block with epoxy and rotate the bolt. The bolt threads will drive the epoxy into the older threads. Wait a moment to let the epoxy set so you can get a threaded bolt hole.
All the methods are extremely easy to apply at home. Still, if you feel confused due to a lack of confidence, consult with an expert mechanic. They have all the essential tools and will rethread the engine’s stripped bolt hole successfully.
Time-Sert Insertion
The Time-Sert Insertion method is a way to fix a stripped bolt hole in an engine block. This method involves drilling out the stripped bolt hole and then tapping it to accept a Time-Sert insert.
The Time-Sert insert is a threaded insert that is screwed into the tapped hole. This insert will provide a new, clean thread for the bolt to screw into. To use the Time-Sert Insertion method, you will need the following tools and materials:
- Begin by drilling out the stripped bolt hole. The size of the drill bit you use will depend on the size of the Time-Sert insert you are using.
- Next, use the tapping tool to tap the hole. This will create threads for the Time-Sert insert to screw into.
- Screw the Time-Sert insert into the tapped hole.
- Finally, screw the bolt into the Time-Sert insert. You may want to use a thread locker on the bolt to help keep it in place.
That’s all there is to it! Using the Time-Sert Insertion method is a quick and easy way to fix a stripped bolt hole in an engine block.
How to replace the stripped bolt in the engine block?
Once you have learned how to fix a stripped bolt hole in the engine block, let’s concentrate on how to replace the bolt.
Knowing the technique of replacing stripped bolt holes in the engine block is essential, especially if you handle all those car maintenance tasks. You may need to perform this job frequently if you are the owner of an older car.
For quality and durability, it depends on how reliable your hand is. If you try to replace the stripped bolt hole in the engine block, you will get a better result. For seasonal mechanics, this process requires around 10 minutes.
Remove the bolt first
Your first task will be to remove the stripped bolt. If the bolt hole is stripped completely and doesn’t have enough grips to remove the screw, apply a drill.
Using a power drill, create a hole in the middle of the bolt and apply a bolt extractor to remove it.
Clean the residual threads
After removing the stripped bolt, clean the remaining thread into the bolt hole in the engine block.
To do so, you will need an air compressor, a clean rag, and some penetrating oil. A shop vac is also a worthwhile alternative for this task.
Pick the right drill size
Check the drill size that is listed on the package of the coil-type thread insert. The aim is to drill a bolt hole for this width. To keep the drilling straight, you can use a drill block.
You may also have to use some cutting oil to fill the tap and sometimes back it up to remove the fillings.
Attach the thread insert to the installation kit
Your next step is to screw the thread insert into the installation kit. Most of the thread inserts have a tab on the bottom. If you install the thread insert accurately, you should be able to lock it onto the end of the tool.
Screw the thread insert
After attaching the threat insert to the installation kit, it should be covered with a thread locking tool. This will let you screw the tread insert into the new one.
While screwing into a new thread, make sure it remains completely flush with the surface. Use needle-nose pliers to eliminate the tab on the coil.
Finish the job
Following all those steps properly; you should be able to replace the bolt in the bolt hole in the engine block successfully.
How do you Fix a Stripped Bolt Hole in a Cylinder Head?
If you have a stripped bolt hole in your cylinder head, there are a few things you can do to fix it. You can try using a Helicoil insert, which is a small metal coil that you insert into the hole.
You can also try using a tap and die set to re-thread the hole. If neither of these methods works, you may need to have the cylinder head replaced.
Final words
Nuts and bolts hold every part of a vehicle together. So, dealing with stripped bolt holes can seem easy.
But this case isn’t so easy when you are working with a bolt hole around the engine block. A mistake can cause metal shavings to enter the intake manifold and end up with an expensive headache.
This is why knowing how to fix a stripped bolt hole in an engine block properly is so important.
Luckily, you have got plenty of ways to handle this daunting task and an easy method to replace the threads. Hope now you can successfully complete the job at the home garage within a short time.
