Xtnct00WS6

iTrader: (8)

Has anyone else stripped the threads on a lifter tray bolt? I'm pretty sure it's an M6 bolt so according to wikipedia I should use a 6.1mm bit to drill out the old threads. Where would I get a 6.1MM drill bit? Am I reading that right? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taps_and_dies (scroll to the bottom)

Should I drill it out and get a tap to go one size bigger? Thanks! Any imput helps...thanks guys!

GuitsBoy

iTrader: (4)

Get a helicoil repair kit. It will come with a custom sized drill bit, custom sized tap, and the helicoils. It eliminates the need to hunt down odd sized bits and taps.

I dont have anything to look at in front of me, but I dont see why you couldnt just drill and tap a larger bolt. Not sure if 1/4-20 would be big enough to get you clean threads, but 5/16-18 probably would.

ROCNDAV

iTrader: (100)

Yeah I did that to one of mine. Just go to Autozone with the bolt and match up the bolt with the appropriate kit, which I believe IS an M6 (6mmx1mm) thread. It was pretty simple to repair.

Stuff a bunch of towels in the lifter area. If your block is on a stand, rotate so you are drilling 90 degree rather than straight down (to minimize any chips from going into the block). If not (block is in car), don't worry about it, just drill it as is.

vettenuts

iTrader: (4)

How did they strip, the torque value is tiny on these bolts.

headed-ws6

iTrader: (34)

haha That sucks to hear. I just recently stripped a head bolt so dont feel left out. I went to autozone and got a heilcoil kit. they work wonders on head bolt threads and rocker arm threads.

ROCNDAV

iTrader: (100)

Not sure about him, but for me, I grabbed an older inch pound torque wrench instead of using my regular foot pound wrench, only to find out that my inch pound wrench was severely out of calibration.

Xtnct00WS6

iTrader: (8)

I was tightening it by hand to get it snug and then I was going to torque it to spec, but it never stopped turning. I might have torqued it too hard at some point and then threads got screwed up.

Now I'm trying to decide between drilling the hole out/using a tap and getting a helicoil kit. I think I might take a look into the helicoil kit so I can still have the option of drilling it out and putting a bigger sized bolt in there.

headed-ws6

iTrader: (34)

the heilcoil kit is going to be your best bet. its like 30 bucks. I honestly dont think its worth the chance to go with a bigger bolt.

cablebandit

iTrader: (37)

i thought about taking the trays out to get oil back to the pan quicker

chopper

iTrader: (18)

I hope You are kidding...if not, oil will not be the only thing going to the pan quickly, unless You are running lifters with tie bars.

01Z28M6

Also, with a helicoil you will be back to the same size bolt and you won't need to worry about one special size in the future. The only thing to check is if there's enough supporting material to surrounding the helicoil. If I remember right, that tray bolt hole is somewhat on a rib between cast openings. Maybe it's more like a flat.

vettenuts

iTrader: (4)

One other thing to be careful of, this bolt is right under the head gasket and an offsize might prevent the head from properly seating. Helicoil it and put in the correct bolt.

Xtnct00WS6

iTrader: (8)

Update....I got an M6 helicoil from a local parts store and it worked great! Thanks everyone! I apprecaite it.