Timing gear bolt striping

[csfirefighter23]

I have bought a rebuilt KA the timing on the Motor was out and I fixed the timing before putting the motor back in my 240 when i went to torque the bolts the main timing gear bolt in the middle of the head stripped out why i don't know but i am going to put a Heli Coil in b/c of not being able to use a bigger bolt due to the gear. If anyone has any more suggestion or has delt with this frustrating problem before any info would be great

[-RJ-]

you can always goto the junkyard and pull a bolt out

[csfirefighter23]

Well the bolt is still good it is a grade 8 steel bolt. the problem is in the threads in the aluminum head this is a brand new headand butting the timing back together is the only thing I have to do besides butting the motor back in... thanks

[Brandon93240]

Helicoil will work fine. Philsnotfalling had the same problem with his, it took a while to get the kit in the correct thread size but they do make it. He's been driving it 2-3 years with no problems. Just make sure you torque it to spec and don't over torque.

[tramp_drift240]

its only supposed to be like 50 or 60 ftlbs, but i probably tighten mine less than that. just get a helicoil or some other thread-insert. and make sure when you re-tap it to not get any metal shavings drop into the lower timing cover.

[csfirefighter23]

thanks everyone i was going to go with a heli coil kit but I found a local shop here in North Alabama ,Howards Motorsports they specialize in aluminum repair so i am going to have him weld the hole up and retap it to original size hopefully that will fix the prob so i can get my 240 on the road..........it has been down too long

[Brandon93240]

I wouldn't do that. The hole has to be perfectly centered and on axis for the timing components to function correctly. If the threads are just stripped I would just use the helicoil kit, if it is completely wasted then I would consider something like that but not for stripped out threads.

[tramp_drift240]

i agree with brandon, you should just do the helicoil. itll still be the same thread size when youre done with it.

you tap it out a size over, then you insert the threaded coil into the tap. that evens it out so it ends up the same size as it was to begin with.

so its cheaper, and a lot safer overall.

[csfirefighter23]

thoes are both damn good points but this guy owns his own machine shop and has been a machinest for over 15 years he makes his own pistons but he said if it don't work he will replace it.. i hope everything works out and he is only charging me 10$ to weld, tap, and check and mill the head if needed .i droped it off today and i will let you know tuesday if it works but thanks alot i see both your points due to the precision of the timing components

[Brandon93240]

Its all in the setup, but if you feel confident using him than thats what you should do. As long as its drilled on axis and centered you should be ok. I would still only have him helicoil it, but its your choice.

[csfirefighter23]

thanks brandon i will post on tuesday weather it works or not