The stripped threads for one of the oil pan (sump) bolts, for which I've been
trying to find a heli-coil (5/16 UNF), is one of the two bolt holes (out of 23
for the pan) that is located in the front sealing block of the crankcase.
I know this is dangerous but I've been thinking...am I better off simply
replacing the front sealing block or doing the drill, tap, insert the heli-coil
routine in the sealing block that's in there? I'm been assuming that one can do
a heli-coil on a front sealing block. Is it the same type of metal as the
crankcase?
I did find the heli-coil or I should say the kit (special tap that is of course
a smidgen larger (for the coil) than the 5/16-24 tap that I already own, the
special insert tool, and 10 heli-coils) and paid $44.00 for it. I can return
it unopened though if I decide to replace the front sealing block instead.
The front sealing block, 2 filler pieces (I believe these are the famous wooden
parts in the TR6, I'm not making this up as Dave Barry would say) and sealing
block gaskets would cost me around $55-$60.
So it may come down to the labor involved and long-term benefits. Or maybe just
long-term benefits since the time spent on creeper will probably be about even,
I think.
Any suggestions, opinions on a new front sealing block versus a heli-coil fix?
Thanks
Bud
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