Hey, What would be the best way to fix a stripped bolt hole without removing the head? I blew out a chunk of header gasket and think I stripped the bolt hole when retightening the bolt. Thinking that I should pull the front clip & heater box to get access to the offending bolt and put in a helicoil. Any thoughts on this idea? It will definately be a winter "project" and something that must be addressed as I am sucking fresh air into the exaust and backfiring down the pipes. Can't drive it this way for fear of breaking a valve. Thanks, Jim
I thought about that route. Motor has about 1500 miles on it and I'd rather not disturb it if possible. I do need to clean & detail the firewall (again) after getting oil & so forth on it. Of course it would have to be the hardest place to get at, for the bolt to strip. Hey, maybe just a gasket & JB weld will do it! Seriously, any other ideas on fixing the hole besides a helicoil? Jim
JB wont hold with those temps. oversized bolt hole is an option but about as much work as a helicoil. good luck. nate
Ever pull a front clip? Believe me when I say that unless there is a pretty good reason, you will be money, time, blood and skinned knuckles ahead pulling the head. If your car has A/C, plan to evacuate the system and recharge it, be careful with the parts and keep as much moisture away from them as you can. You can pull the wiring harness apart at the firewall and separate it into two peices though you will still have to deal with getting all disconnected. You stand an absolutely excellent chance of dinging and scratching the sheet metal (It's kinda heavy) and even if you get everything done and you don't scratch it up, you still have to get the body panels realigned and the gaps set correctly. All in all, use some fender covers, get a buddy to help with the lifting and pull the head off.
Boy, you're in the spot I was dreading last night...my manifold story but I got really lucky and the came out without breaking. Which side? I'd try unbolting the motor mounts and jacking the engine over for clearance, if that won't get you enough, I'd get a lift and hoist the engine as far as possible. All you need is about 3, maybe 4 inches for a tap to get in there. Pulling a head or the front clip for one stinkin' exhaust bolt just don't seem right, I'd do my best not to do either. Too many worms in those cans to open them up... :Smarty:
