I have a 350 with striped threads to hold the fuel pump on. I'm looking for recommendations on fixing this. I have thought about getting the alumimum filled (weld) but then i'd have to machine the enitire mounting surface of the timing cover. anyone have ideas that are a little less intrusive? I have thought about oversizing the bolts on it but that could lead to more problems down the road. what works well?? nate OH also what is a good way to degrease the front end of my car? since the front main seal went out a quite a while ago (before i bought it) I have access to a pressure washer but would like some other ideas and what to worry about using this method. nate
You can restore the stock thread size with heli-coils. I think you just drill the hole out a little over and they "screw" down in and wahlah, new correct-sized threads.
how the heli coils work, you drill it out more, tap it, and then install the hellicoil. then it will be correct again. You should be able to get a heli coil kit at a parts store... if not I'd just drill/tap it out the next size, and use a bigger bolt.
grease Nate - Heli-coil is the most routine fix. Buy a kit, they come with the drill and correct size helicoil. To degrease simply get the engine warm, spray on any "Gunk" degreaser spray (I don't recommend the foam stuff, just the spray) hitting the worst spots well, and use hot water to rinse. You want to avoid the distributor, or wrap it to protect it. If it does get wet and won't start, take the cap off, dry it with a propane torch or heat gun being careful not to overdo it, blow air on the base to dry it out, and you should be good. If the grease/dirt is really thick, start with a putty knife to scrap the chunks off first. good luck! - Bill
I had the same problem. Here is a little advice on the heli kit. First it worked great. The aluminum is very soft so I just used a wrench to twist the drill bit in nice and easy. I started to use a drill and it was a little too powerful. Kinda crazy. Take your time that cover is about $300 if you mess it up bad.
