Topic: Stripped a few threads in the engine head, need tips 1977 CB550K

[jorwesflow]

I got one of those stainless allen bolt kits and put them in, being sure to stay within torque specs. Ended up stripping threads for two holes well before i reached spec torque. One in the cylinder head cover, and then the one for the long bolt that's on the outside middle front of the engine.

So I've never drilled/tapped before. Should I? Which size and thread pitch kit should I get for these bolts?

[Flyin900]

There is no real torque spec there that can be usefully followed unless you have a high quality torque wrench that uses inch pounds. The normal spec on those fasteners from what I recall is under 10 ft lbs and more like 6-8 ft lbs.

Best done by feel and really just getting them snug and nothing more if you don't have the inch pound wrench.

I am a advocate of the Time Sert product as a repair on any aluminum case, yet I have the full Time Sert Kent Moore kit, so for pretty well any small to medium Metric fastener I am good to go if a situation arises. Others will use a Heli Coil and either system requires drilling and tapping up to the next size.

I believe there is also a product that is a bonding agent that I have seen referenced on other forums that another member here may be familiar with that is used to partially fill the stripped hole. Then I believe the original bolt is used to create a new set of threads. There was a You Tube video from the manufacturer that showed the procedure.

[jorwesflow]

Yeah I do have an inch lbs torque wrench. Should have stayed slightly below spec though. Live, learn. I'd prefer Time Sert or Heli Coil because it seems more legit than some liquid compound. I was just looking at the Loctite kit for stripped threads and it said it will hold up to 128 foot lbs of torque. That sounds ridiculous to me that a compound could be that strong. But I guess it's worth a shot first.

[jorwesflow]

If you have not completely trashed the threads, a tap is best as you aren't enlarging the hole.

Cool, I'll try to tap. I don't think they're completely trashed. So I'll use a 6mm tap, but what's the thread pitch? Any idea? I can grab a gauge, just wondering if there's a quick answer.