Generation III Internal Engine 1997-2006 LS1 | LS6
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

Heli-Coil Help

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jun 29, 2009 | 09:55 PM
  #1  
2002 SS's Avatar
Thread Starter
Launching!
iTrader: (8)
 
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 266
Likes: 0
Default Heli-Coil Help

i just heli coiled my rocker bolt hole, i drilled it, tapped it, and put a couple "coils" in but when i tighen the bolt in with the rocker its wayyy to tight. it doesnt even make contact with the rocker and gets stuck... anyone have any suggestions?? thanks
Reply
Old Jun 29, 2009 | 10:10 PM
  #2  
KCS's Avatar
KCS
Moderator
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (20)
 
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 8,859
Likes: 323
From: Conroe, TX
Default

Did you break the tip of the helicoil off?
Reply
Old Jun 29, 2009 | 11:19 PM
  #3  
2002 SS's Avatar
Thread Starter
Launching!
iTrader: (8)
 
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 266
Likes: 0
Default

yep, still wont tighten just keeps turning
Reply
Old Jun 29, 2009 | 11:23 PM
  #4  
KCS's Avatar
KCS
Moderator
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (20)
 
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 8,859
Likes: 323
From: Conroe, TX
Default

Does it tighten and get stuck or does it keep turning?
Reply
Old Jun 29, 2009 | 11:30 PM
  #5  
2002 SS's Avatar
Thread Starter
Launching!
iTrader: (8)
 
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 266
Likes: 0
Default

it just keeps turning and doesnt catch.... idk what else to do. any ideas?
Reply
Old Jun 29, 2009 | 11:39 PM
  #6  
KCS's Avatar
KCS
Moderator
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (20)
 
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 8,859
Likes: 323
From: Conroe, TX
Default

What kit (thread pitch) did you use? M10x1.25 is the right size I believe. If you did it right, I don't see any other reason it would just keep turning, unless it was the wrong size or the actual threads on the bolt are jacked.

I always drill it out to the larger size recommended, but not any deeper than what was already drilled. Deburr, and then tap it with the recommended/supplied tap. I'll clean it out REALLY well, and then thread in the helicoil insert to where it's a little bit below the surface of the hole. I then break off the tab at the bottom and remove it. Did you do anything different?

Reply
Old Jun 29, 2009 | 11:45 PM
  #7  
2002 SS's Avatar
Thread Starter
Launching!
iTrader: (8)
 
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 266
Likes: 0
Default

Originally Posted by KCS
What kit (thread pitch) did you use? M10x1.25 is the right size I believe. If you did it right, I don't see any other reason it would just keep turning, unless it was the wrong size or the actual threads on the bolt are jacked.

I always drill it out to the larger size recommended, but not any deeper than what was already drilled. Deburr, and then tap it with the recommended/supplied tap. I'll clean it out REALLY well, and then thread in the helicoil insert to where it's a little bit below the surface of the hole. I then break off the tab at the bottom and remove it. Did you do anything different?

i got a M8x1.25 and did everything you just mentioned... still wont catch... and to top it off, now i cant take the bolt out! sorta like floating in there.
Reply
Old Jun 30, 2009 | 12:05 AM
  #8  
KCS's Avatar
KCS
Moderator
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (20)
 
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 8,859
Likes: 323
From: Conroe, TX
Default

My bad, M8x1.25. I don't know, something is wrong with the threads it seems. If it is just turning, you should be able to just pull it out with some force. It would tighten if the threads were engaged. Kinda one of those things I'd have to be there to help with.
Reply
Old Jun 30, 2009 | 12:11 AM
  #9  
00pooterSS's Avatar
TECH Veteran
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Liked
Community Favorite
iTrader: (40)
 
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 4,920
Likes: 531
From: Dallas
Default

sounds like the helicoil is turning in the hole with the bolt and bottoming out and then maybe the bolt is bottoming out on the helicoil?, try putting another one in with thread lock and see what happens
Reply
Old Jun 30, 2009 | 01:38 AM
  #10  
2002 SS's Avatar
Thread Starter
Launching!
iTrader: (8)
 
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 266
Likes: 0
Default

well i finally got it to at least be pretty snug. you think ill be alright if its pretty snug but not all the way to 22 ft pounds?
Reply
Old Jun 30, 2009 | 10:57 AM
  #11  
v8pwr's Avatar
TECH Enthusiast
iTrader: (19)
 
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 538
Likes: 2
From: florida
Default

If you have a problem afterwards I strongly recommend you use EZ-LOKS . It's an insert that is solid not a coil like Helicoil or Recoil inserts . They're easy to install and hard to **** up .
Reply
Old Jun 30, 2009 | 08:32 PM
  #12  
vettenuts's Avatar
TECH Senior Member
iTrader: (4)
 
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 8,092
Likes: 13
From: Little Rhody
Default

Originally Posted by 2002 SS
well i finally got it to at least be pretty snug. you think ill be alright if its pretty snug but not all the way to 22 ft pounds?
No. You need correct preload on the bolt and you currently don't have it. Let's review what you did.

You used the correct size bolt and tap for the heli-coil?

Then you inserted two heli-coils into the hole? (not sure why you did this)

Are both tabs off of the heli-coils?

With the rocker off, will the bolt go in by hand (no wrench at all) until it bottoms in the hole?
Reply
Old Jul 1, 2009 | 05:54 AM
  #13  
v8pwr's Avatar
TECH Enthusiast
iTrader: (19)
 
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 538
Likes: 2
From: florida
Default

I didn't see that you had put "a couple" of helicoils in the tapped hole , I think that's your problem . They come in different lengths for different depth holes . You also may have bought locking helicoil inserts . If you have anymore left look @ the middle of the coil insert and you'll see a section which is not round with little flats that grab the fastener . These inserts can be a real PITA .
Reply




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 03:35 PM.