I striped the thereds in my crank snout trying to turn the engine over to ajust the valves. Should I worry about it, I know early chevys diden't even have bolt there, but they had less accerieres to put a load on the balencer. I'm doing a cam change when I get my taxes back (W-2s will be mailed Jan 27) and I plan on putting a heli-coil in there while I'v got it apart. Any temp solutions?, or should I not even be concerened about it. if it matters the crank is a forged steel crank out of a early '70's truck block.

 

true early SBCs weren't threaded but i believe i'd either use a thread repair kit, like heli-coil or take it to a machine shop and have it drilled and tapped next size bigger

 

can it wait a month or so, or do I have to do it immeadatly?

 

NO! NO! NO!

Don't go near that thing with a drill. Chevy is WAY ahead of you on this one. They used the odd-ball thread in the crank snout so that when someone gets carried away with the torque (like you did) the crank can be saved without any serious labor. The crank was originally tapped 7/16-20. While it is a standard UNF thread, it is not commonly used.

Go to your tool box and dig out the 1/2-20 tap and can of Tap Magic. CAREFULLY start the tap to pick up the start of the old thread, then bottom tap the hole. Get a 1/2-20 GR 5 or better bolt that is at least as long as the original, then paint the head in some bright color to remind yourself that it is a non-standard thread. And lighten up on the torque. For the money you saved by NOT having to pull the crank, go out and buy yourself a crank snout socket so it doesn't happen again.

 

Vader: Good Fix!

The last cam change I did I stripped the crank bolt thread
too.

Going to have to look for Tap Magic. Wonder if it's available in Canada.

They also have a convenient tap drill size chart online.

www.tapmagic.com

 

Really, for the minimal cost of a crankshaft socket, the security of not screwing up the crank is well worth it. I wish more people would have one in their tool carts, or borrow one from AutoZone or wherever when changing cams, etc. The same for a balancer/steering wheel puller. There are so many uses for even a cheap one, it's almost a necessity if you do your own work.

 

Vader, got a part number for that socket? I got a blank stare from the parts guys at my local shop. I'm up north, so I can't go to Autozone.

 

You can order most any performance parts and automotive
speciality tools like the crank socket from the local Vancouver Canadian Tire parts counter. It's in the performance catalog.

 

Lordco's usually better for that kind of stuff.

 

Lordco's the place I went to.

I didn't think Crappy Tire would have it, but I'll check that out.

 

Mopac might be able to help you too, but I've never been too impressed with the guys at the coast. The guys in Calgary were pretty good though.

 

Man, you Canucks are lucky! All the cars. Loose emissions laws. Plenty of snow. And NO Autozone! They are to auto parts and machining what McDonalds is to fine dining...

 

We have to deal with Canadian Tire though. :P

No emissions unless you live in Vancouver or Toronto. In Vancouver as long as the car is reasonably tuned, you'll pass. If you're living in Toronto you're practically American anyway so who cares about you.

 

ahhhh, they're gonna invade...