Stripped header bolt on head.

[KB2CRK]

well I changed the right side header gasket on the right side Monday. Upon disassembly the rear bolt did not feel right coming out. I did not think anything about it until it was going back together and the bolt just kept turning instead . Well ****, I tried a new bolt and it was a little better but still would not torque. I made it snug and prayed for the best. Filled it up with coolant and all looked good. that is until yesterday morning. a puddle under the engine told me the awful truth. I ordered a helicoil kit but was concerned with the fact a helicoil is not solid. I decided to check metric tap drill sizes and founf the stripped out hole was almost the perfect size for a M10 1.25 tap. This morning I ran the metric tap into the hole and it felt like it was cutting good threads. I then ran to the local hardware store and picked up a M10 1.25X 25mm bolt to try. It went in smoothly and torqued right up to the 20 ft lbs called for. Waiting for the sealant to dry now and will try refilling the coolant in the morning. So far so good. Now I just have to remember that the one bolt is metric.

[badbillybiker]

Wouldn't a metric allen head bolt be the perfect reminder? \nNo chance of a bad/wrong fitting socket screwing things \nup and not knowing why... just my $.02 worth...\nBBB

[KB2CRK]

I think the bolt itself will be reminder enough. 15mm head with a flange as compared to the others which are 7/16 heads with a flange.\n