I put a cam in my car a few months ago, while putting the water pump/cover back on, one of the two bolts that is next to the right water hole stripped with a 1/4 inch socket wrench. I covered the bolt in with JB weld & stuck it in. The mickey mouse repair (gamble) seemed to work fine. But I feel I am also forced to be with the same cam at the same degreeing until the mnotor eats the big one. Anyone ever helicoil that hole or anything? How did ya' fix it if it happened to you? Thank you.
A good helicoil is better than new if done correctly. Go to a good bolt and screw place and they can give you the right stuff. I plan on putting helicoils in all of the water pump holes in the timing cover I am reconditioning.
John; I stripped a few of these bolts last winter tearing apart 5 30+ yr old 455s. I found that when they broke, they broke just under the head. When the pump was taken off, I used a accetalene for heat and a vice grip. They all came out! Good luck! PS: I hate exhaust bolts!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
