Help Fixing Stripped Block Threads any Ideas

[Wcsweb]

I have 2 honed out bolt holes in my block. Does anyone have any suggestions on how I can fix this.

I have tried filling the hole up with real Aluminum Weld, JB Weld, Quick Steel. I then drilled out and tapped. However nothing seems to be working good enough for me to get them torqued to spec.

I'm thinking about trying JB Weld the holes and insert a heli coil. Any ideas?

Has anyone had this happen to them and can share any repair ideas?

***I was also thinking if I just fill the holes back up with quick steel/JB, and sand smooth then using my gasket then put a nice bead of rtv silicon gasket maker all around and tighten down any chance that would work?***

Here are a few pics...

 

[wilde1j]

Re: Help Fixing Stripped Block Threads any Ideas

The holes need to be filled by a TIG welder with a good touch, then drilled and tapped. I would have a machine shop do the drilling and tapping to get the holes in the right places and correctly aligned. None of the stuff you've tried is worth anything here. Your block is close to becoming a paperweight!

 

[lee powell]

Re: Help Fixing Stripped Block Threads any Ideas

Hi Wcsweb:
Maybe some one will chime in on a better fix. I believe I would take a dremel tool and grind out the Jb weld. Then take it to a welder and let him weld the holes up and then drill and re-tap them. That looks to me like the only fix you may have. I know the block is cast but a good welder can take care of it.
Good luck,
Lee

 

[Cofe]

Re: Help Fixing Stripped Block Threads any Ideas

The holes need to be filled by a TIG welder with a good touch, then drilled and tapped. I would have a machine shop do the drilling and tapping to get the holes in the right places and correctly aligned. None of the stuff you've tried is worth anything here.

I agree wilde1j.
The water jacket sealing surface has been damaged. A professional needs to do this.

 

[Wcsweb]

Re: Help Fixing Stripped Block Threads any Ideas

Thanks for your input. What kind of TIG weld do I need? Aluminum or something else?

I already had a guy with what I think was a TIG try and fill the holes up with aluminum before. He couldn't get the holes filled up nicely.

 

[mattinglyt]

Re: Help Fixing Stripped Block Threads any Ideas

I would say to take it to a pro machine shop too and see what they say, but you've just about hit the paperweight designation.

I have repaired a block that was not as bad with alumi rods and redrilled and tapped for a repair that's held so far, but it has to be perfectly clean and take your time.

I'd say for the money, you're better of w/ a pro repair or getting a new block.

 

[petryshyn]

Re: Help Fixing Stripped Block Threads any Ideas

Don't give up. That not all that hard to fix. Try a different shop. You just need to get the right TIG guy.

 

[Cofe]

Re: Help Fixing Stripped Block Threads any Ideas

After the block has been re-welded.
Keep in mind that the head bolt holes can be drilled and tapped to one bolt size larger if need. The bolt hole in the head would also have to be drilled to accommodate the bigger bolt. Just a thought

 

[Wcsweb]

Re: Help Fixing Stripped Block Threads any Ideas

What is the proper material to weld with? Aluminum? Or something else?

 

[Cofe]

Re: Help Fixing Stripped Block Threads any Ideas

Tungsten Inert Gas ( TIG ) welding is the process. Your block is aluminum, thus aluminum filler rod is required in the TIG process.

 

[Wcsweb]

Re: Help Fixing Stripped Block Threads any Ideas

I have found a few products (brazing rod) that looks like I can use a propane torch in order to fill my holes up with aluminum. You guys ever used any of these products? What do you think?

http://www.aluminumrepair.com

http://durafix.com/

http://www.alumiweld.com

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Help Fixing Stripped Block Threads any Ideas

you don't get the point, you need a professional, he will put the proper product in it. and be done with the headaches.

 

[wilde1j]

Re: Help Fixing Stripped Block Threads any Ideas

You need an expert welder, not a hack!

 

[14ftgrumman]

Re: Help Fixing Stripped Block Threads any Ideas

What part of "Let a professional do it" don't you understand.

Take the block, put it in your car. Take it to a welding shop and explain what you need done. They will do it with the pproper materials. I had something similar done to a block that had been dropped and the mounting bosses for the elect start broke (NO, I bought it that way).
What engine? PM me please.

 

[petryshyn]

Re: Help Fixing Stripped Block Threads any Ideas

Hi WCSWEB

I have no doubt that "lumiweld, durafix, aluminumrepair" would hold a thread....BUT.....it seems that the main component in those rods is zinc. This has got to cause galvanic migration over time when exposed to water.

Secondly, you would never be able to heat that size of a repair with a propane torch without having engine issues, as it would take forever. You would have to use oxy. acet.

A good tig welder would probably cut out the sides of the bolt hole formations and rebuild new ones rather than try to fill deep holes. The block would then have to be decked (resurfaced).

Certainly doable

 

[Wcsweb]

Re: Help Fixing Stripped Block Threads any Ideas

Hey thanks all.

I totally get what your saying to take it and get it fixed by a pro. However I was trying to add more value to the thread and ask if anyone had any luck with the brazzing rods.

The brazzing rod could have possibly been a good fix and who is really to say if it could work in this application without actually having tried it?

 

[daselbee]

Re: Help Fixing Stripped Block Threads any Ideas

Good one...stick the brazing rod...

I had a pitted block deck...on a 200 '96 looper...and seriously considered using the brazing rods to fill in the pits.
I was advised against it because of the chemical composition...the zinc...and the sheer amount of filling that I would need..

So, I filled with something else....and it is a whole different discussion.

I rejected the brazing rod filler......I even had it ordered, and cancelled the order. Same stuff....

 

[bigskiohio]

Re: Help Fixing Stripped Block Threads any Ideas

there is a thread repair where you fill the hole with epoxy then apply release agent to the bolt and thread it in and let it set, then screw bolt out , i used it on a aluminum manifold years ago and it worked great. if you put a washer in the process it will make surface flush. Name i thin k permatex but not sure.
google thread repair.

 

[tx1961whaler]

Re: Help Fixing Stripped Block Threads any Ideas

That might work for water pumps and the like, where the part and gaskets are basically glued on with sealer and there are lots of other bolts, but it is very doubtful that it would work for this head gasket application, particularly given the condition of the drilled out holes. There is way too much area to fill, and it is in a very high stress area with a huge amount of thermal contraction/expansion going on.

 

[Faztbullet]

Re: Help Fixing Stripped Block Threads any Ideas

From the picture it looks like you still have some bolt in the hole and that will have to be removed. I have used Keenserts for years on items such as this, take block to a good shop and have bolt(if still there) remove and a Keensert installed. A good shop knows what a Keensert is and you will pay around $80-$150 to have this properly done as it appears you have drilled hole off center.