Re: [FWDLK] tapping the engine block

[John McCann <jmccann02@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Hi Bryan
   I have Heli-coiled a few holes in the past but not enough to call myself
an expert. Use a variable speed drill and keep the speed slow. When drilling
out the old threads to the size required by the heli coil tap the drill will
follow the stripped out hole and it would be hard to make it do otherwise in
steel or cast iron, aluminum is another story. When getting ready to drill,
check the depth of the hole and put some tape on the drill bit at that depth
so you know when you have reached bottom although drilling will probably
stop at that point anyway or at least slow down so you know you have hit
bottom. Cover all access to the engine any way you can to avoid getting
chips and shavings into the engine, grease on the drill bit and tap will
catch many of the chips but you have to keep them out of the engine. When
tapping the hole after it is drilled back up the tap often to clear it of
cuttings, you just have to back it up part of a turn until you feel it turn
free, then turn it in the thread cutting direction again for another turn
then back it up again to clear the threads. when installing the heli-coil,
try to line it up as good as you can then turn the heli-coil to start it
into the newly threaded hole, once it is started I usually let go of the
insertion tool and turn the heli-coil enough to bring the insertion tool in
contact with the surface so I don't have a gap between the tool and the hole
then screw it in until it clears the tool and a little more until it doesn't
stick above the surface and interfere with the mating surface. I am guessing
that the stripped hole is in the head where the manifold attaches which
means if you don't feel comfortable repairing the threads yourself you can
remove the head and take it to a machine shop to get it done or to just get
the repair away from your engine.

John
Wilbur, Washington

----- Original Message -----
From: "Bryan Scott" <scott1990@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
To: <L-FORWARDLOOK@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Friday, May 20, 2005 8:19 AM
Subject: [FWDLK] tapping the engine block


> Hi all!
>
> Sadly, I stripped a hole in my block when I was bolting on the intake
> manifold (58 Fireflight 361 V-8).  I bought everything I need to repair
> it,
> but I can't find a drill block anywhere, including Home Depot.  Does
> anyone
> know where I can find one, or does anyone have an alternative (other than
> a
> very steady hand)?  Also, this is my first time doing this.  It seems
> reasonably easy, but any advice from those who have done it before is
> welcome!
>
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