Helicoil use question

mcsmythe

mcsmythe

Member
I have a 61 Scout 80 with the aluminum intake manifold. Unfortunately when I was removing the t-stat housing, one of the bolts took the manifold's threads with it. Has anyone here used a helicoil in their aluminum manifold and if so, how did it hold up for you? Just looking at alternatives to having it tig'd.

Thanks.
 
Many aluminum engines (aircraft ) come with helical thread inserts in high load /use areas from the factory so the aluminum manifold is a perfect application.

Most spark plug threads are inserted.
 
I install helicoil (and clones) every day in this old junk, most especially zinc carburetor components....and been doing so since I first discovered 'em in 1969 when repairing vw engine crankcase assemblies with pulled studs. They are an outstanding repair/maintenance item.

In fact, the aluminum intake manifold I've fabbed for my stroker 152 has all threaded holes helicoiled right now, even the four stud holes that re drilled directly into the plenum.

The second most common use I have for 'em is repairing the pan retaining bolt holes on the tf 727 transmission pan rail. Every transmission has at least one hole stripped, average repair consists of at least three holes on each tranny case!
 
michael mayben said:
...the second most common use I have for 'em is repairing the pan retaining bolt holes on the tf 727 transmission pan rail. Every transmission has at least one hole stripped, average repair consists of at least three holes on each tranny case!
Click to expand...


I gots at least two, possibly three, pan bolt holes to repair on my 727...
 
I've been using helicoils to repair threads for years both in steel and, more so in aluminum (coz sometimes I get a little carried away). I install them with red loctite in most places where the heat isn't too high like the exhaust studs in the harley aluminums heads. The thd locker will weep to the inside of the coil so wait before installing the bolt or you could wind up with red locker on a bolt that doesn't want it. The only coil I've ever experienced backing out was a factory installed one on a 2.3 liter Ford. I just pulled the wire out, installed a new coil and all was good. Actually it was a good thing that Ford did this, made my life so much easier, no drilling/tapping required in a really cramped space.

Recently I had to do something for my hood attachment bolts, 6 out of 8 holes in the 3/16 +- backing plates in the hood were stripped. I really didn't want to increase the bolt size to 3/8 nc so I installed 5/16-18 hcoils in all 8 holes. Worked great, I've got full threads back and, tight standard sized hood bolts.

Maybe I love these things too much :rolleyes5: way better than option b which usually has something to do with duct tape and tie wraps
 
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