Carb / Intake Bolt-stud repair

[Tom B.]

I have found one of the nut-bolt-studs holding the primary carb to my 427 tri-power aluminum intake to be near stripped out from the hole in the intake manifold. Obviously I my last resort is to remove the manifold to have it repaired. Is there any sort of recommended repair I can make without removal that will be NEARLY as good to fix me up? I have considered "liquid" or "paste" repairs as well as a threaded insert. Will either of these hold up well? Thanks in advance. Tom #24014

[Bill W.]

Re: Carb / Intake Bolt-stud repair

Tom, the threaded inserts, (Helicoil) are a peramant and lasting repair. I have used them many times over the years. Stuff the intake with clean rags/paper to prevent any debris from getting into the intake, and follow the directions that come with the kit. They are simple and easy to use. Bill

[Bill W.]

Re: Carb / Intake Bolt-stud repair

Tom, the threaded inserts, (Helicoil) are a peramant and lasting repair. I have used them many times over the years. Stuff the intake with clean rags/paper to prevent any debris from getting into the intake, and follow the directions that come with the kit. They are simple and easy to use. Bill

[Joe L.]

Re: Carb / Intake Bolt-stud repair

Tom----

I'd definitely go with a "HeliCoil" or similar threaded insert. This repair can easily be made with the manifold installed in the car as long as you're careful to be sure that no metal shavings enter the engine. This should not be very difficult considering the location of the carb flange mounting holes.

To perform this repair, you would first drill out the existing hole with the exact drill size specified for the particular thread repair kit used. Next, tap the hole using the tap supplied with the kit. Lastly, install the thread repair insert using the tool supplied with the kit. When complete, you will have threads at least as strong and durable as the originals and the repair will be invisible with the carbs installed in the car.

Other types of "epoxy" thread repairs might very well work for a low-strength application such as this, but I still wouldn't use it. The "HeliCoil" repair is too simple and proven to risk any other method, in my opinion.

[Joe L.]

Re: Carb / Intake Bolt-stud repair

Tom----

I'd definitely go with a "HeliCoil" or similar threaded insert. This repair can easily be made with the manifold installed in the car as long as you're careful to be sure that no metal shavings enter the engine. This should not be very difficult considering the location of the carb flange mounting holes.

To perform this repair, you would first drill out the existing hole with the exact drill size specified for the particular thread repair kit used. Next, tap the hole using the tap supplied with the kit. Lastly, install the thread repair insert using the tool supplied with the kit. When complete, you will have threads at least as strong and durable as the originals and the repair will be invisible with the carbs installed in the car.

Other types of "epoxy" thread repairs might very well work for a low-strength application such as this, but I still wouldn't use it. The "HeliCoil" repair is too simple and proven to risk any other method, in my opinion.

[Tom B.]

Thanks, Another Q

Thanks Bill and Joe. I do have a HeliCoil kit, was sorta unsure of it's application here. Another question: I looked in that hole and it doesn't appear to go all the way through. It doesn't, does it? Thanks. Tom #24014

[Tom B.]

Thanks, Another Q

Thanks Bill and Joe. I do have a HeliCoil kit, was sorta unsure of it's application here. Another question: I looked in that hole and it doesn't appear to go all the way through. It doesn't, does it? Thanks. Tom #24014

[Joe L.]

Re: Thanks, Another Q

Tom----

Virtually all intake manifold carburetor flange mounting bolt holes are "blind tapped" and do not enter the intake manifold passages----I'm fairly certain that yours are too.

As far as the applicability of "HeliCoil" to repair threads in aluminum base material, they are very widely used in this application. As a matter of fact, many aftermarket aluminum heads have the rocker stud mounting holes "HeliCoiled" right out of the box.

[Joe L.]

Re: Thanks, Another Q

Tom----

Virtually all intake manifold carburetor flange mounting bolt holes are "blind tapped" and do not enter the intake manifold passages----I'm fairly certain that yours are too.

As far as the applicability of "HeliCoil" to repair threads in aluminum base material, they are very widely used in this application. As a matter of fact, many aftermarket aluminum heads have the rocker stud mounting holes "HeliCoiled" right out of the box.