Re: Helicoil for a '66 20hp
Update on the update; The surgery seems to have been a success. Once I decided to bite the bullet and go for it there was no going back. After making sure that the piston was at the low point in the cylinder, I got the tap lined up as best I could I started threading the first stage. It was a little scary as I started making my way up to the second, larger stage. However, the aluminum was quite soft and cut wit ease. I made sure to use plenty of lube and removed excess savings along the way. Thankfully, I was able to thread the tap in fully without hitting the piston. I then backed it out slowly and removed any and all debris along the way. I then sprayed a generous amount of lube into each cylinder and gently turned the motor over by hand to cycle out and shavings that may have fallen inside. The newly cut threads were very clean and the motor turned over nicely with no apparent friction. I then chose the appropriate insert from the kit, applied red, Hi-temp loctite to the outer perimeter and gently threaded it flush into place using the spark plug itself to help do the job. After backing out the spark plug, I then used the setting mandrel to seat the knurls of the insert. I then gave it 3-4 good taps with a small sledge hammer, wiped away the small excess of loctite and inspected the job. The insert now sits flush with the outer surface of the head and the motor was able to turn over without issue. Everything looks ok so far (jinx). I'm going to let the loctite cure for 24hrs. per the directions, then give it a shot tomorrow. It seemed almost too easy, which makes me nervous. I'll keep y'all posted. Thanks again for all the help.
After the initial smoke cleared, I noticed that it the motor isn't pumping water at all :/ I've dropped the LU several time and inspected the impeller and all looks well. I've even poured water in the t-stat housing and seen it pass out of all of the appropriate passages. The water in the test tank is nice and high as well. The new gaskets seemed to have helped too. The motor now starts with one good pull, cycles though the gears perfectly and idles like a charm, but will not pump water. Any ideas?