Hi guys,
242 glti project back together,but Im having a problem with a head stud.I think Ive stripped one of the holes and cant get any torque.
Can I repair the hole while its still on the car?Ive tried locktite threadmaker/sealer and didnt work.Ive got some helicoil but never done that and I dont think I can get a drill in there.If I take the head back off Im going to want to install a Phase One cam,just 'cause of the time I will invest.
What would you do?
Thanks
RR

I had this happen and couldn't find a helicoil in 10mm size - had to use the next larger US size. Found that the exhaust manifold would not fit over the larger diameter stud (it was the outer stud on the #4 cylinder). Had to mount the manifold on the head and then insert a bolt into the helicoil insert. I used a right angle adapter on a standard-size electric drill to get clearance between the head and strut tower - the aluminum head material cuts EZ so this set-up worked out well. Take your time and good luck!

Hey guys,
Thanks again for the help.Might just have a shop do this work while doing some other stuff.
But thanks again.
RR

If you have access to that stud you are lucky. If you are very careful, you might find a 3/8" to be OK. Personally, there is no reason not to use a 10 mm stud since it has plenty of room in the manifold, gasket and head. Just be careful to not drill sloppy, overly deep or to torque things too tight when done. A new gasket goes a long way for proper manifold sealing without over tightening. Just go real slow, if you blow the 10 mm, you can still use a 12 (not recommended, BTDT) but they are really hard to get and there is no going on from there. Helicoils are recommended by many people. The end stage of years of abuse, by PO and self, is head replacement, lessons learned. BTDT too..

And if you go for the replacement head, aren't we getting it ported and polished? Ad infinatum - Speed costs money, how fast do you want to go?

If one can get or rent a pnuematic drill or die grinder, they are certainly much smaller for the Helicoil drilling.

One thing that may help you...

especially if the bolt is flush with the metal around it or sticks out a bit...

Put a nut over the stud and weld the nut to the stud. Then just turn the stud out. This may tak a few tries, but it often works and is a HELL of alot easier than trying to drill the damb thing out. It would probally be a good idea to run a appropriately sized thread chaser (aka a tap) thew the hole a few times to clean up the threads before you put in a new stud after you get the old stud out.

Good luck :)