John2189 462 #26 Posted June 7, 2023 8 hours ago, csvt99 said: One thing I thought of is that I will be drilling out the hole to a larger diameter, so as long as I don't drill it the whole way through, there will be resistance as the hole necks down. So I think I will be okay. I would use the E-Z lock insert as Wild Bill suggested, they are a solid insert. I think they would hold better. On 6/4/2023 at 8:34 AM, Wild Bill 633 said: The Helicoil is a wire threaded insert. Another option is the E-Z Lok insert. To install, you drill and tap the hole to a bigger size and install the threaded insert. The insert comes as thin and standard wall and with Loktite red on it. I have used these and tend to prefer over a Helicoil. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wallfish 17,105 #27 Posted June 7, 2023 Those EZ lok inserts are nice !!! ( but expensive ). Since you need to drill and tap the holes anyway, you could also just drill the other holes bigger to just use bigger bolts and skip all the inserts. It's not always that easy but in this instance and circumstance it appears that would work. It's still holding on those same new threads either way. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
John2189 462 #28 Posted June 7, 2023 4 minutes ago, wallfish said: Those EZ lok inserts are nice !!! ( but expensive ). Since you need to drill and tap the holes anyway, you could also just drill the other holes bigger to just use bigger bolts and skip all the inserts. It's not always that easy but in this instance and circumstance it appears that would work. It's still holding on those same new threads either way. If you go the next size bigger bolt route, I think I’d use fine thread 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rick3478 429 #29 Posted June 7, 2023 2 hours ago, John2189 said: If you go the next size bigger bolt route, I think I’d use fine thread I don't think I'd do fine threads in aluminum, given its tendency to gall and chew up. Insert or stud, then maybe. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
csvt99 173 #30 Posted June 7, 2023 I can't picture what type of stud you are referring to. Below is a picture of the factory bolt, not sure if it is considered fine or course. I'm leaning towards doing the inserts on all holes just for consistency, especially if the inserts make it stronger. I would hate to get it all back together and then end up with the same issue again. Thanks! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
csvt99 173 #31 Posted June 7, 2023 Here is the photo: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
John2189 462 #32 Posted June 7, 2023 This is a step stud Sounds like you are more comfortable with using the hel icoil 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
csvt99 173 #33 Posted June 7, 2023 15 minutes ago, John2189 said: This is a step stud Sounds like you are more comfortable with using the hel icoil For this application I'm not sure that it would work due to clearance issues, depending on sizes available. I will try what have and go from there. Who knows I could end up going this route. Thanks for the suggestion. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
squonk 41,604 #34 Posted June 7, 2023 Or replace the oil pan Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
csvt99 173 #35 Posted June 7, 2023 2 hours ago, squonk said: Or replace the oil pan Squonk, I might have to if I mess up the threads . But of course I didn't even think about it. Not sure how difficult that would be or what the cost/ availability is. I'll keep you posted on the progress Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
csvt99 173 #36 Posted June 9, 2023 I got the first one heli coiled and working on the second. The other two holes seem to have clean threads so I'm thinking of leaving those alone. I like the idea of the stronger heli-coils in there but don't really want to risk fixing something that isn't broken. I'll get some pics up in time. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
csvt99 173 #37 Posted June 9, 2023 I ended up heli coiling two which were catacorner to each other and salvaged the others as they still had decent threads. Put a little lok tite on and tightened down to 30 lf pounds. Hopefully this fixes it for good. 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
csvt99 173 #38 Posted June 13, 2023 I got everything back together and mowed on Saturday. Just in time because it finally rained yesterday! Thanks for all of your help 4 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites