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Try to keep the laughter to a minimum...
...Ok I screwed up, there I said it. With just 1600 miles on my motor things are finally starting to keep tight. I have been (after everytime I run it) going over it tightening up bolts, water pump and intake manifold mostly. Anyway, I tightened one of the bolts that go on a small piece that attaches the radiator hose to the inlet for the intake manifold and OOOPPPSSS - it stripped...Now it just spins in place and is leaking when I run the car...
My question is this, can I drive it to a local mechanic and have it fixed or is it not a good idea to drive it at all ? The leak is a slow drip and I'm sure if I drive it mellow it will be fine but I just wanted an opinion from you guys...Also, what do they have to do to fix the stripped bolt ? The bolt that I stripped goes into a small aluminum piece that looks kind of like a water neck that bolts onto the manifold. Does that piece need to be replaced ?? Thanks in advance. |
So you stripped the treads out of one of the two bolts which attach the thermostst housing to the intake? You will need to put "heli-coils" in the threads on the intake. That requires drilling, tapping and inserting the thread coil. Your bolt was probubly a tad short to do that (pull the threads out) as well. Nothing will need to be replaced, just add a heli-coil.
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It can be done at home...
If one has da noive, as the cowardly lion said :eek:
There are heli coil kits available, and it's not difficult, but if you are not sure, it should not cost too much to have a pro do it. |
Thanks Fixit - Guess I get a little "wrench happy"...So is it ok to drive it like 15 miles ? I know I could do it myself but would feel better having a "pro" do it.
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Just remember that if the water level drops enough while you are driving you won't be getting any sort of indication of the temperature of the engine ... and with no water, the engine is going to heat up pretty darn quick.
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Next time...
Use a good torque wrench and find out what each bolt's specs are...and use the longest bolts that will fit safely
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Thanks guys - Gonna get it done this afternoon, but is it ok to drive ? The leak is just a drip now, but I don't know if it will turn into a gusher if I drive it for 15-20 mins to my local mechanic...
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Argo1 if you are going to drive it I take the pressure off the radiator cap for the trip.
Ken |
Have it towed over on a flatbed hauler, and get both screw holes helicoiled while it's there.
No use risking a $30K motor on a 25 dollar tow bill. |
You could try a longer bolt. If the threads pulled from the manifold the bolt may have been too short. Putting in a longer one will hold until you can have the heli-coils installed. Otherwise I agree with Steve, have it towed.
Don |
Tigit-drillit-tapit-boltit......do it right.
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Well it made it to the shop, unbelievable there wasn't a huge leak but the thing held together, no leak at all...Had the cooling system flushed, oil and filter changed and the stripped hole helicoiled - All set. Thanks for the posts guys...
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Ditto to Black in Black
I've seen too many threads stripped and bolts broken just because someone had to turn a bolt or nut to make sure it's tight. If a fastener doesn't turn when the specified torque is reached, for heaven's sake don't turn it at all. Then you won't make the mistake again. Good luck on the fix, HeliCoil, that is. |
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