I was torqing my last manifold bolt and it just started spinning freely. When I backed the bolt out the thread insert came with it, IN PIECES!! How do I fix this? They are aluminum heads so do I need to put a new insert in?

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92Z28
89GTA

 

Yup. Heli-Coil it.

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"So many Mustangs, so little time..."
ICON Motorsports

 

if there is room there are other thread insterts besides heli coil, but the usually need a lot more space. the ones i've used are called keen-serts. say for a 1/4-20 thread repair you use a 1/2-13 (i think ,anyway NC) tap and then screw the insert in the hole and there are 4 little ears you drive in place to lock it in. very high quality thread inserts and don't require any special tools like heli-coils do.
most likely you can find heli coils and do the reapir with the head on the car.

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ICON Motorsports
1st & 3rd
MM Black Diamond 538 F&AM

 

Z,

These are a little stronger and provide a bit more bearing surface area than a Heli-Coil type insert:



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Later,
Vader
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Down with the Sickness
Adobe Acrobat Reader

 

Vader, what brand are those inserts in your post? I need some for my aluminum buick heads I just got.TIA

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Got Boost ???
87 Turbo Regal
PTE-51 , PTE FMIC , THDP , 009s , PMAC Trans.
3000 stall , 340 walbro
91 Camaro Z-28 , 350 TPI,Police Pkg.


turbovsix@hotmail.com