Bad Heli-coil Repair, how do I fix?
 

My customer just brought in a set of premium Dart heads but one exhaust thread is a heli-coil - but it will not thread.
1. Do I try to tap it 3/8-16 and Loctite in a stud?
2. Or, can I remove the coil and start over?
Thanks, Dave

If it already has a Heli-coil the hole will be too big for a 3/8-16 tap. There is a product called a Keen-sert. It's kinda like a threaded bushing. See the video... Hope this helps.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XyCTh23Z6o0

TS1955

Bad
 

If the helicoil is damaged, you may be able to use an EZ OUT to remove it and just put another Helicoil back in. Be sure to break off the tag at the bottom of the old Helicoil before inserting the EZ OUT if it is still there.

The KEEN SERTS are good too if there is enough material around the hole to let you go bigger.

Don't try to tap a heli-coil. The tap will jam and possibly break. You can just take a sharp pick and bend the top of the coil in and then remove with needle nose pliers. Then you can clean up the threads with the heli-coli tap and install a new heli-coil. If it's too far gone for that then use the keensert.

yes..... X2 :wink:

Thanks for your response. I'll work on it today and let you know.

Problem solved. The shadetree mechanic drilled the hole crooked (probably by hand) and trying to tighten the header, it stripped the new insert.
The only tools some mechanics should use is a wheelbarrow.

lol... i hear ya :lol: