Stripped head bolt hole repair options

mudpie · Post by **mudpie** » 11 Oct 2022, 13:45

I have a C30 with a stripped head bolt hole. Could end up being more than one I suppose, I don't know. The hole that stripped was the first one I put the socket on to do the final 130 degrees in the torque sequence. Anyway, I'm looking for a solution and I come across several threads about heli-coil inserts, and time-sert inserts, and as I search those two options I end up with more questions.

My first concern is that the heli-coil inserts are a bit short, and I want an insert that's the same depth as what the bolt would normally screw into. I found the video below that shows (@ 0:40) there are longer inserts available, but finding any information on the heli-coil website is a challenge. My local auto parts store can't do much beyond pointing me to whatever they've got on the shelf, and my local industrial supplier doesn't deal in quantities of one or two. They want to sell me a pack of 100.

Then I'm looking at the time-sert option, and a few people have mentioned that they've used them. I don't see how this is possible. The time-sert insert has a shoulder on it and needs to be countersunk into a flat surface. The threaded part of the bolt hole in the block is recessed, so how does this insert fit down into the block?

So, does anybody happen to have a part number for the larger heli-coil insert that fits the Volvo block? Or, does anybody know if time-sert makes an insert without the shoulder, that screws down into the bolt hole? Any other options I missed?

Any thoughts on this repair would be appreciated.

Jonesroad · Post by **Jonesroad** » 10 Nov 2022, 05:45

could you tap the hole just make it slightly bigger? you'll have to drill the hole for the helicole anyways right?

Screamingkiwi · Post by **Screamingkiwi** » 11 Aug 2024, 21:24

Hi, did this repair hold p ok?

lrock · Post by **lrock** » 12 Aug 2024, 04:04

use helicoil, inconel, kits can be found on amazon, thats the standard go to for fixes in aluminum in the machine shop, especially for the fixtures that run heat treat cycles for tempering and brazing etc.
besides, if it's good enough for spark plugs. it's good enough for head bolts.