I have a 1962 Merc. 70 HP, model 700, S/N 1507174, which has a stripped plug hole at location #4. I have read several other messages about repairing the hole with a helicoil insert and I am confident with trying this fix but have several additional questions. Do I have to remove the water jacket cylinder cover to get clearance for the retap and helicoil or can I do this repair with the cylinder cover intact? Can I use a steel helicoil or should I look for a special alloy that is more compatable with aluminum? Does anyone know the correct helicoil insert part number for this repair? Any advice on this fix? I plan to use the grease on the tap, do a few turns at a time and clean the tap and regrease, blow air through the exhaust, have the piston at just past TDC. I still do not understand about maybe using shaving cream in the cylinder, any confirmation on that. THANKS for any help.
