Helicoils and ole evinrudes ....

[SeaMasterZ@aol.com]

went back to the old homestead and looked at the engine ... the threads are pretty well shot on the lower spark plug hole ... I guess this is a 64 ten horse two banger, sure looks good except for that, and a bolt missing off the head, lol, I guess someone else was working on it too ... would one missing head bolt mess up the engine? I dont think its all that heavily loaded and I dont push engines too hard, I just let em roll along at around 3/4 power - maybe throw a shot of jb weld on it, lol ... <br />Would a helicoil work ok in aluminum? It looks like its aluminum, Im not totally sure, it wasnt easy to get to the motor so I was sorta just able to get an eyeball on it<br /><br />thanks

 

[Xcusme]

Re: Helicoils and ole evinrudes ....

I just did a helicoil in the lower cyl. of a 76' 4hp Rude, works like a champ. I guess if more folks would change the plugs when the motor is cold and run them in by hand there would be less stripped plug sockets....oh , and leave the 4 foot breaker bar in the tool box too!

 

[ledgefinder]

Re: Helicoils and ole evinrudes ....

The thread inserts work fine.<br /><br />I'd avoid running without that head bolt if at all possible. If the head gasket leaks, you'll leak salt water into the cylinder.

 

[wayne h]

Re: Helicoils and ole evinrudes ....

replace the head bolt for sure if you have too pull the head for a new head gasket you might wanna try to get another head. if not i have used helicoils in motor cycles with no problem also they make the thread tap you can tap it to the next size plug but then you have 2 diffrent plugs

 

[bhalsdorf]

Re: Helicoils and ole evinrudes ....

You can get an insert kit at your local autoparts store. I have used them several times on cars, motorcycles and boat motors. They work well. Just follow the instructions with the kit and you'll be all set. Also a small note on helicoils in aluminum....In aluminum aircraft parts they usually put helicoils in threaded holes because they are stronger than the original threads. the helicoil tends to expand when pulled on by the bolt thus gripping the hole tighter. They also use a dab of zinc-chromate primer on the helicoil prior to inserting so as to insulate disimmilar metals.

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: Helicoils and ole evinrudes ....

Hi Ray,I had the same problem on an old evinrude and went through the same thought process as what to do.My mechanic thought I was crazy even considering any alternatives to getting a new or used head.They are cheap and used are available everywhere.Replace the head.drill out the broken head bolt and your worries are over and the effort to replace the head is less than the helix coil and leaves no margin for error. Charlie

 

[Lark40]

Re: Helicoils and ole evinrudes ....

We operated an Evinrude dealership in the 50's and 60's.<br /><br />Customers were always stripping spark plug holes and other fittings. Used Heli-coils extensively. They were always the first fix for any stripping problem. Thought they were great and don't recall any downside to using them.

 

[NathanY]

Re: Helicoils and ole evinrudes ....

Helicoils work great, and I believe that your size is 14mm, but Joe Reeves or someone can confirm that.

 

[SeaMasterZ@aol.com]

Re: Helicoils and ole evinrudes ....

Thanks for all the great suggestions ...<br /><br />Ill try the helicoil, and save the new head thing for later, tho on eBay it shouldnt be TOO tough to find one good to go, amazing how many old old parts there are out there<br /><br />is there a lot of interchange between the JohnnyRudes in regards to year and such? would a similar sized motor (say, 10 or 15 hp) on a slightly different year (this is a 64, would a 66 work?)<br /><br />I know, my own motto is Keep It Simple Stupid, but my brain is slightly crazed at this point, calling for sunny weather the next few days and the motors are all dead, and that Spirit deal is falling apart, lol<br /><br />thanks again

 

[SeaMasterZ@aol.com]

Re: Helicoils and ole evinrudes ....

I use a torque wrench for heads, and use a 1/4 inch drive ratchet for most things ... I find they dont break bolts!

 

[rmpenton]

Re: Helicoils and ole evinrudes ....

if you plan on using a heli-coil then you would want to pull the head.if not then you will be rebuilding the motor soon. when you get your head gasket get a bolt also.

 

[SeaMasterZ@aol.com]

Re: Helicoils and ole evinrudes ....

I have a can of CRC to bust the rust and a jar of Never Sneeze so this thing wont bust bolts when the NEXT poor bastage comes along - Eh, I like the look of the thing, it reminds me of the original SeaMaster engine ... all 33 horses of her ... and its so clean looking, Im just dying to hear it run. I do have to get a shroud for the thing, at ten horses, shes one tenth of a horse too strong. But first ... have to put a water pump on the tow car, lol, looks like the ol Master Mechanic has to break out the tools!