Shift housing bolts stripped

[pangolin]

I finally got my seal replaced and everything is ready to go on my shift housing. I went to reinstall it but it looks like the previous owner has stripped these bolts out. three of them just keep turning and turning and not biting. These only need to get to 60 to 84 inch pounds, so less than 10 foot pounds of torque. So they don't need to be very tight, just nice and snug but do need to hold. Can I use something like Loctite in there? Or do I need to do Heli coil insert or something similar?

 

[Bondo]

Or do I need to do Heli coil insert or something similar?

Ayuh,..... That would be My 1st choice for the repair,.....

 

[Augoose]

X2. Helicoils are the way to go

 

[pangolin]

OK, thanks. That's what I have gathered from my research. This will be my first time using them, hopefully I don't mess something up. I need to get this thing up and running for a trip that is 3 weeks out. I think the screws are 1/4" diameter with a 20 pitch.

 

[Jammer864]

Ive done that job. Make sure you dont drill all the way thru or even break thru a little when you drill for the EZ outs. My EZ out inserts were a little long and I used a cutoff wheel to shorten them so they didnt stick out above the flat shift housing mounting area. I had one that was slightly protruding and I thought it would just fit into the shift housing hole a little, but I guess it didnt because when I pressure checked it, I had a leak there.

 

[pangolin]

Good tip. I am concerned about the size of them, sounds like they will need to be trimmed a bit. I take it you installed first, as far as they would go and still had some sticking out. Then you could use the cutoff wheel to get it flush huh? I have read that, ideally you want to install one or two turns past flush.

I am heading to napa on my lunch break today to pick up the helicoil. Then going to a metal supply shop to grab a piece of scrap aluminum to practice on. I am most concerned about drilling and tapping perfectly straight holes.

 

[pangolin]

I made some progress last night. Did a practice run on some scrap aluminum and then installed one of the 3 I need on the shift housing. It seemed to go pretty easy and I am hoping will hold well. Not able to get the tang out since it is at the bottom of the blind hole, but that doesn't seem to be a problem. As a test I put the housing on and tightened the bolt and it seems to go plenty deep and hold tight. I hope the remaining two go in just as easy.

On the torque spec, 60-84 Inch lbs, do I need to go out and buy that type of torque wrench? only $12 bucks at harbor freight but still....

 

[Maclin]

On the torque spec, 60-84 Inch lbs, do I need to go out and buy that type of torque wrench? only $12 bucks at harbor freight but still....

That depends on how much of a Herc you are with bolts that small! Using a standard length wrench should give you a feel for how snug they are getting and get a feel for when to stop putting the whank to it. If you use a long handle wrench or ratchet handle then be more careful. If they have lock washers then you can tell when the washers get compressed enough to "hold". Then again $12 makes for a pretty economical event to what could be a useful addition to the tool chest.

 

[pangolin]

Agreed on your very last point. I happened to be near an HB today so picked one up for 11.99 with the coupon.

 

[Jammer864]

Yes, I installed first then cut off the extra length. The tang left inside wont hurt anything. Be very careful not to drill too deep, theres not much extra to work with. Also be sure to do something to prevent the drill shavings from getting into the shift housing hole. Drilling upside down is the best.......just kidding. For 12 bucks, yeah Id use a torque wrench. Dont forget to pressure test afterwards.