SmittysCustomAuto

Hey Guys,

I was installing my new water today when I noticed the top right bolt was not getting tight. I finally realized that the block chipped away where the top threads of that bolt were. So my question is what the hell can I do now? I can't weld it back because the block is cast and I now can not tighten that bolt because the top half of the threads are chipped off the block. Any help you could give would be greatly appreciated. I'm already fearing the worst, whatever that would be. Thanks in advance

my77stang

"chipped away"? you mean stripped threads? repair with a heli-coil. if thats not what your talking about then im completely lost

Luckythirteen

I think he means part of the block actually broke off and part of the bolt is now exposed. Im not even sure if something like that can be repaired.....can you weld cast iron? I know I saw an aritcle WAY when in Car Craft where the where repairing cracked max wedge heads, but I cant think of the process at the moment.

Tony71502

If some of the bolt is exposed, how can that stop it from tightening. As long as some of the bolt's threads are grabbing and there isa head on the bolt, it should get tight. If its not getting tight, its probably because the threads are stripped out. Rethread the hole and get a new bolt and youll be good.

WhiteWindsor

It's hard to know what you got without pictures. But cast iron can be welded. You just have to call around to find out who, most good machine shops can do it or know someone who can.

wildsurfer92

which bolt wont tighten? do you have a picture for us?

ALMOST STOCK

Another vote for a Heli Coil!

SmittysCustomAuto

Here are the pictures a few of you requested. I know of Heli Coils but don't know very much about how they work exactly. As you can see the threads on the bolt are exposed and will not tighten. I've thought of tapping the hole the bolt goes into and using a smaller bolt in length bringing the threads away from the exposed area. Not sure if that would work or not. Hopefully these pictures help those who are helping me and again thanks.

[IMG]local://upfiles/71635/AA03BDA599704A11B00279AF2539585E.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]local://upfiles/71635/A686A77679464899816F5AD3FC43DD76.jpg[/IMG]

cleanfitty

I dont think you could heli coil that. May be able to jb weld that back on or have a shop weld it together.

SmittysCustomAuto

I'm sadly sitting by watching my post fall to the bottom everyday without any new helpful input. Guys I could really use some experienced advise. Other than taping new threads and using a shorter bolt I have come to no other conclusion. Some of you have mentioned machine shops however I don't really want to have to tow my car to a machine shop and pay them to do something that I may be able to avoid. Any more help would be greatly appreciated.Thanks again.