Aluminum heads require strong threaded connections to keep an engine functioning correctly. The soft nature of aluminum allows threads to pull from their base material when under the strain and pressure of an operating engine.

When threads strip from connecting points of an aluminum head, new -- stronger -- threads need to be installed to ensure the heads remain securely attached to the engine block. An installed HeliCoil threaded insert provides a secure threaded connecting point for accessories on engines with aluminum heads.

Feb 17, 2007. Microsoft Office 2007 Enterprise Fully Activated RARE. A proper thread repair should last as long as the life of the car. This type of repair can be used for almost any threaded fastener, by the way. And that includes cast-iron, steel and aluminum parts. Warning: Installing a Helicoil or other threaded insert looks simple -- but it's not. Any readers out there who wish.

Just two to go and it happened: the thread was stripped. Now all you can do is sit there and wonder, 'What do I do?'

The answer is, thankfully, pretty easy. Are invaluable pieces of equipment that allow you to drill out a stripped bolt hole and tap a new thread for your bolts and screws to grip onto. Patch Dirt 3 Ps3 3 55 Plus here. These kits can save you hundreds of dollars in replacement parts, and they typically use strong metals that reduce future risk of stripping out the thread again. Helicoil kits are an essential part of any serious workshop or tinkerer's. Here's a brief rundown of how they work. Necessary Materials When you get your Helicoil installation kit ready, you will need a few additional tools and supplies. Here's a rundown of necessary and useful things to have on hand for the process: • Helicoil installation kit • Drill and • • • • Clean rags • Caliper With this simple list of tools and materials gathered, you're ready to start your repair.

Instructions Before you start the process of re-threading, you'll need to assess the situation. Read the instructions that came with your Helicoil kit to become familiar with how it works. Next, use a to determine what size Helicoil insert you will need to secure your fastener in place.

There should be a variety of different inserts in the kit. When you know what size you need and how to operate the kit, you're ready to start. Remember to wear your safety glasses when drilling, then follow these steps for a successful finish: • Take the appropriately sized Helicoil drill bit and secure it in your. • Place the drill bit against the location you need to install the new threaded insert. • Apply a liberal amount of tapping fluid on the drill bit, starting from the top so the fluid falls down the bit and onto the base metal you are drilling into. • Turning the drill bit slowly, drill the hole into the base metal. Make sure you stop to apply more tapping fluid from time to time, as this will prevent the bit from overheating.

• Set aside the drill and prepare the tap and T-handle that came with the Helicoil kit. Use the tap that corresponds to the size of the hole you drilled.

• Tap the hole using plenty of tapping fluid. This will ensure that the tap creates clean threads. • the area around the hole to remove metal shavings and excess fluids. • Prepare the Helicoil threaded insert by threading it onto the installation tool and coating it with locking fluid. • Using the handle of the insertion tool, turn the Helicoil threaded insert into the tapped hole until it rests 1/4 to 1/2 of a turn below the surface of the tapped hole.

• Find your tang removal tool, place it into the threaded insert, and use it to break the tang from the Helicoil insert. This will lock the insert into place. • Once the locking fluid has cured, the new threaded insert is ready to use.

Turning a potentially expensive replacement into an inexpensive repair is made easy with Helicoil kits. The process is a simple series of steps that can all be completed with the tools provided in the kit. Every workshop should have one standing by at the ready. Now that you know how to use a Helicoil kit, the thought of slipping up and ruining a thread won't be hanging over your head anymore.