I'm in need of some advice/help - valve cover bolt

[Adam R]

One of my valve cover bolts keeps coming loose.  The problem is that the threads in the cam journal cap that the bolt screws into are somewhat stripped.  I've heard that I can't just replace the cam journal because of the way the camshaft wears into place.  I'm thinking I might have to helicoil the threads, unless there is a simpler and/or cheaper solution.

I'm not familiar with the helicoil process though.  Can someone explain how it works if this is indeed the best course of action?

Thanks,

Adam

[Bob Broussard]

The worst part of putting in a helicoil is paying for the kit :lol:

A good kit should have everything you need. The proper size drill, extra helicoils, tap and the installation tool. At the very least you should have the helicoil and the installation tool. It should tell you what size drill and tap you need.

I would take off the cam bearing cap first. Then you drill out the hole.
Use the tap and cut new threads in the hole. then install the helicoil into the new threads. It's pretty simple. Especially on something you can remove and work on.

[JamesG]

Definately remove the cap before installing the helicoil.  You don't want to get any of the metal burs and shavings it creates in your engine.

[The Buddha]

Yes take it off and helicoil it... and yes the damn thing costs a bundle... ~25 bucks... however a kit has like 10 of them... and its a fairly common size in the bike so hopefully if you ever need it in future... you have it. I have a helocoil in one of those and never had a problem since... heck now I dont even remember which has the helicoil. Also I cant imagine they dont helicoil more stuff on the bikes... all those cast aluminum cases... They should have had helicoils to begin with.
Cool.
Srinath.

[dgyver]

You don't need to use a heli coil but it would be the best way. Or you can drill out the remaning thread and tap for a larger bolt. I don't remember the size, I would have to look tomorrow. Use a flange bolt and washer along with some sealant.

[KevinC]

Or take it a machine shop and have them do it if you are concerned about getting it right. Probably about the same cost as the kit.

[Blueknyt]

neat little trick for keeping the shavings out of an engine while taping, give the tap a coat of thick grease, the grease holds the shavings when they cut.  thats another thing you could do, JB weld the hole closed, redrill and tap for stock size.