Here is where I stand on my Oil Gush problem. I received several fine
suggestions from the list--the one I focused mostly on was to install a
helicoil. Well that turned into quite an oddesey here in backwards East
Tennessee! I did find a 5/16" helicoil set at the local NAPA which I
purchased and took home yesterday. This morning I realized that the helicoil
I had purchased was 5/16"-18 whilel the size I needed was 5/16"-24. So back
to the local NAPA (about 15 miles) where, of course, they HAVE NO 5/16"-24.
The salesman called another NAPA dealer in Knoxville--another 20 mile
drive--who confirmed that "YES" they had one. I make a couple of local calls
to other stores but no one has Helicoil. So off to the NAPA story in
Knoxville. Got there, entered, ladies in the store could not locate the
5/16"-24 Helicoil set. The irresponsible JERK who manages the store did not
eyeball the kit--he only looked on the computer. They actually had none.
This cost me well over an hour of precious time and lots of driving and
expense.
So back home, empty handed I go. Stop by the local hardware store in my
little town and pick up two 5/16"-18 bolts. My goal now is to tap the
existing 5/16"-24 holes to 5/16"-18 size and insert the course thread bolts.
I do so, spread blue silicone on the threads, and insert the bolts. They
thread right into the holes, draw up fairly tight (I didnt want to put much
stress on the aluminum block threads they were threaded into), and
reinstalled the remainder of the oil pan bolts.
Put a new oil filter on, filled her with oil, degreased her underbelly, and
fired her up. NO LEAKS!! Runs pretty good.
I realize this is only a stopgap measure. I plan to find the rare and
elusive helicoil kit that I need and do a permanent fix the next time I pull
the engine, or if the temporary fix goes south. Thanks for everyone's input.
I have my LBC to drive to the Townsend show Saturday!!!!
--David C.
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