Hi,

I've stripped either the threads on the bolts or the threads in the casing for four bolts attaching my transmission pan. So, I'm getting quite a leak. I don't have to add trans fluid more than once a month, but I don't like the stains on my concrete drive and garage floor.

I've never used "heli coil" and don't know anything about it, except how it works. Can I use heli coil on bolts these small to get the trans pan attached more firmly and without leaks?

As my max has 245K Miles on it and the magnet at last pan drop/fluid change had very little shavings on it, I really don't care if I'm going to have issues in the future removing these bolts.

Any suggestions apreciated.

Jeff

 

I understand these work better in that you can apply torque that the helicoil can't take.

http://www.timesert.com/

 

Thanks, will take a look. However, torque shouldn't be an issue as the trans pan bolts are either 7-9 lbs/ft or 10-12 lbs/ft.

Thanks,

Jeff

 

Helicoils should be more than enough for your application. They actually increase the torque capacity in soft base metals like aluminum. (But stay with the FSM torque spec)

Just take care when tapping for the helicoil to keep the hole nice and straight and go slow. You don't want to move the bit around and make a larger hole than necessary - there will be less aluminum left for the helicoil to hold onto.

Dave

 

Thanks Dave. I think I'm going to take it to a shop anyway. I broke my foot on 11 June and had surgery last monday so I'm not crawling under anything but a blanket for a while. I just wanted to ensure that it's a "doable" job.

Thanks very much,

Jeff

 

You don't want to move the bit around and make a larger hole than necessary - there will be less aluminum left for the helicoil to hold onto.thread inserthelicoil
http://www.xhcljx.com/eng