Exhaust studs stripped out of head?

[turbo87targa]

Went to change my manifold and 3 of the studs stripped out of the head.
Will helicoiling work? Or is there a better fix? I'd rather not have an exhaust leak at the manifold.

 

[isnms]

Yes helicoil will work fine. You can do it in car. If any other are suspect, easier to do all at once
http://www.supramania.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3998

 

[iwannadie]

Can you just use a helicoil(sized to match the stud) and not drill / tap to the bigger size? I have 1 stripped and don't have a drill to use... I actually have the kit from driftmotion to do them all but want to wait until the motor is back out of the car and I have a drill.

 

[isnms]

No. The drill bit is of a size larger so that when you tap and thread in the insert you will have your intended size.

 

[mk3supra]

Driftmotion sells an exhaust stud helicoil kit. http://store.driftmotion.com/static/i-716exhauststudkit.php

 

[iwannadie]

No. The drill bit is of a size larger so that when you tap and thread in the insert you will have your intended size.

So, you have to tap up to a bigger size because the helicoil takes up the extra space and sizes down the hole to the original size? Inserting a helicoil in the stock size hole will make it too small for the stock stud?

 

[kotu100]

So, you have to tap up to a bigger size because the helicoil takes up the extra space and sizes down the hole to the original size? Inserting a helicoil in the stock size hole will make it too small for the stock stud?

correct

 

[SrBigbutt]

Any way to do it with the head and exhaust manifold still in car! :3d_frown:

The last stud near the firewall is stripped on mine. Has a small exhaust leak. Not to bad. But I definately need to fix it. One of the many things to fix! :aigo:

 

[isnms]

Not the manifold.

It's like I didn't even post in this thread.
Did you read what I first posted and check the link?
Then Iwanna just restated what I posted and ask if that was right.
Makes me think some didn't search for solutions before posting either :nono:

 

[iwannadie]

Not the manifold.

It's like I didn't even post in this thread.
Did you read what I first posted and check the link?
Then Iwanna just restated what I posted and ask if that was right.
Makes me think some didn't search for solutions before posting either :nono:

I was asking how a helicoil worked as I never used them before. The link you posted was a how-to in the car, not an explanation of how a helicoil works. Your reply to me wasn't clear, you just pointed out the drill bit is larger. No reason why the drill bit has to be larger. It did help point my mind in the correct direction but I just wanted clarification, which I got.

~edit
Also, your "how-to" was posted in the turbo section, a place I don't search as I'm NA...

 

[CajunKenny]

When I bought my car, it had an exhaust leak. Come to find out, three heli-coils had pulled out causing the leak.

I then removed all the heli-coils and installed thread inserts. Muuuuuch better! They are considerably stronger and less likely to spin out. I did it with everything in the car. Everything except the manifold of course.

I used custom length drill bits and a right angle drill. There's not a lot room near the firewall so you'll need the smallest, shortest, tiniest stuff......get my drift...?

Any way you cut it and no matter what you use (heli-coils or thread inserts), you're going to have to be careful and take your time. That aluminum gets a little soft/brittle because of the heat and can be easily damaged. It's a pretty nerve racking thing to do if you're never done it so I would look on youtube and google for any and all information you can find on how to do it. And yes...do them all!

So, my .02 is that I would use thread inserts over heli-coils. I don't like to have to do things twice.

Good luck.

 

[zurud]

You can cut the drill bit for shorter length if you can't find short drill bit. Right angle drill or adapter is needed for drilling close to the firewall.