Idler sprocket shaft stripped

[corey170]

Ok I know this has been covered before, but I wanted to ask about the options with this problem. I have stripped the threads inside the head where the idler sprocket bolt fits in (stripped by threading in by hand, man vs aluminum). Most people say helicoil it and then you wont have problems with the torque specs, obviously the best option. However, up here in Canada the M12x1.25 helicoil kit is over $100 and I'm a cheap student.
Some people say to just use a longer bolt (the threads go deep into the head but the bolt is relatively short, thanks Nissan). This would be the cheaper solution but I'm not sure if it would be good enough.
I really don't wanna pull the head again (already took it off an extra time when a POS Felpro bolt snapped before 55 ft-lbs), so can I helicoil it with the engine/head still in the car? I guess I just don't wanna mess up the angle of the helicoil and create even more issues.
Does anybody have any objections to the "longer bolt" solution? I've heard 110mm works, or can you go even longer?

[danshaz82]

i went through this pain in the a**.
i remember looking at the longer bolt option, but didnt go with it for some reason. i think its cause i thought the threads werent deep enough or something. wish i did go with that tho.
if you do end up having to helicoil it, make sure you drill out the old threads straight! when i did mine it was just slightly off and had to scrap that head.