Helicoil advice

captmello

Captain
Joined
Jun 30, 2008
Messages
3,826
I'm helping a friend with an old tractor, '56 oliver super 55. One of the timing cover bolts broke off and he drilled it out of the block. we're thinking a helicoil might work but neither of us have any experience with them. it's cast iron and we have about 5/8 - 3/4 of an inch in depth to work with. the original bolt was 1/4" or 5/16. can anyone tell me if this would be a good place for a helicoil?
 

Scott Danforth

Grumpy Vintage Moderator still playing with boats
Staff member
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Jul 23, 2011
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47,310
Yes, loc-tite the helicoil in place
 

MTboatguy

Fleet Admiral
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Jul 8, 2010
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8,988
Yup, perfect spot to use the helicoil, that is what they are designed for, I would use red loctite in that particular application.,
 

Sea Rider

Supreme Mariner
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Sep 20, 2008
Messages
12,345
You can install Time Serts too, lots of tutorial videos on YouTube. Need to order the correct M bolt size/diam, lenght and thread pitch.

M8 x 1.25 x 16.jpg
If its a DIY work will need special tools to install Helicoils or Time Serts.

Happy Boating
 

harringtondav

Commander
Joined
May 26, 2018
Messages
2,438
Keep us posted. I've had a few near misses but never had to install Helicoils. My understanding is a special installation tool is needed to thread then in and break off the tab. True?
 

RaisedByWolves

Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joined
Oct 4, 2017
Messages
90
Usually you can buy a kit with the proper drill bit, install tool and for the tang you can use anything that fits in the hole.

I install these as part of my job and am on the fence about the loctite.
 

bigdee

Commander
Joined
Jul 27, 2006
Messages
2,665
If there is room to drill and tap for next size bolt I prefer that method.
 

Tim Frank

Vice Admiral
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Jul 29, 2008
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5,333
^^^ +1.
If you have a good fastener shop nearby you could probably use a metric size that would put you between the current UNC fastener and the next size up. Minimises up-sizing effect.
 
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