I believe I stripped the top thread in one of the oil pan bolt holes in the block. Can I use a tap and retap the threads? What are my options? Thanks

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Yes it will work sometimes. If that doesn't work you can buy a helicoil kit and fix it that way.

 

I have used the Helicoils. they aren't cheap, but they work good.
good luck
Mike

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if the cost isn't too high for you i'd use a heli-coil. if you don't like that you should be able to go to the next larger size 5/16-18 or maybe even a metric size. you'll just have to remember you have 1 bolt hole a bastard size.

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Josh,

Heli-Coils work O.K., but can fail from spring distortion and elongation. They also require a special tap available from Heli-Coil (can you say "Bend over"?).

Try a Jergens thread insert. They are solid steel to prevent distortion, use standard taps for installation, and all but the locking pin type are easily removeable if you ever need to replace one. The inserts are about a buck apiece.



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Later,
Vader
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[This message has been edited by Vader (edited September 20, 2001).]

 

I don't think I'd spend the $$ on a helicoil kit for the oil pan, I'd drill out to the next size and tap it. There isn't much torque requied to seal the pan gasket.

Since you'll have to open up the hole in the pan anyway, to get the helicoil in, it'd be just the same using a larger bolt.