> >
    > > Hello Paul-
    > >
    > > So the cause of my leaking oil has been found. I have
   determined that
    > > quite a few of the tapped oil pan bolt holes in AL parts have been
    > > stripped. I have not surveyed all the bolts - I'll be pulling the
    > > engine off again to do that on Tuesday. But I did find 4
   already that
    > > are stripped. I pulled the bolts out & they are fine. But when
    > > inserted, they cannot be torqued to the spec - they spin & spin...
    > >
    > > So I suppose I could thin some JB Weld and re-tap the holes,
   but given
    > > my tapping skills, that sounds like a recipe for disaster. I was
    > > thinking instead of cutting the heads off of some appropriately
    > > sized AN
    > > bolts, flooding the bolt holes with JBWeld, and then inserting the
    > > bolts
    > > head-side first. Since the pan only calls for ~ 8fp of torqued, I
    > > figure this is a simple and reliable way to get studs for the
   stripped
    > > holes that I can then put metal stop-nuts on to secure the pan.
    > >
    > > Comments?
    > >
    > > Mark (Rocky Mtn High)
    > >
    > > You must of read my mind. I was just thinking about your engine.
    > >
    > > No no don't do that. Get some helicoils and a special tap.
    > > I am sure you can do it if you use the proper drill.
    > > Use google to check for the drill sizes.
    > > McMaster also gives the drill sizes on the web site.
    > >
    > > http://www.emhart.com/products/helicoil.asp
    > > http://www.roadstarmagazine.com/modules.php?
    > > name=News&file=article&sid=233
    > >
    > > In Mcmaster Carr speak they are called "Helical Inserts".
    > > Available in both metric and English sizes. Come in a kit with the
    > > drill
    > > and special tap. I think those pan bolts are 6 mm.
    > >
    > > Also "Thread Inserts" that require a some what larger installation
    > > holes.
    > >
    > > Other than the oil leak how is the p-port engine running.
    > >
    > > Paul Lamar ...No rotor no motor.
    >
    > I have also found several stripped threads in the same location. If
    > the holes are already stripped, then helicoils are the answer.
    > Small threads in aluminum are easy to strip. I think it would be a
    > good idea to run a clean out tap whenever reinserting these bolts
   and
    > use a torque wrench. Jerry


   You might try a cheaper/easier alternative to helicoils.  I think
   the bolts we are talking about are 6mm.  A AN4 (1/4" fine thread =
   6.35 mm - this bolt is just a little bit larger) or AN5 (7.94 mm)
   bolt might work after having the correct tap run thru the hole.  I
   don't like to mix metric and SAE, but sometimes it is just so much
   easier!

   Ken Powell
   Bryant, Arkansas
   501-847-4721



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