Suggestions Please

[Joe G]

Right where do I start,

Had the car with Duncan in hypertech today for a check over, replacement rocker cover seals and service. Found a problem straight away!! Drivers side rocker cover. bottom bolt that goes into the head had been "botched" so to speak. Looks like someone has sheered the bottom bolt in the head at some point, made an balls up of drilling and retapping it. The now 8mm bolt (which was siliconed/PTFT taped in the head) hence the oil leak which I presumed was the rocker cover gaskets is no use as it doesn't even take to the thread.

Ok so looking for opinions on options.

Duncan recons 15hrs labour for engine out, heads replaced, new seals/gaskets etc. and engine back in place. Do you just source a new head and be done with that (quick fix and back on the road)............ Or do you do anything more when the engine is out already??? Got about 2.5k (ish) Budget.

Thoughts please????

Joe

[scooby222]

if your keeping it for a while then you may as well have a play when the hard bits (engine out, heads off) done anyway - be a shame just to bolt it back up standard

[arch]

Can duncan helicoil it in situ. May not be possible to get access even with right angled drill to drill it out.

[Joe G]

Can duncan helicoil it in situ. May not be possible to get access even with right angled drill to drill it out.

I'm thinking of just asking him to helicoil (8mm outer thread and 6mm inner thread) it for the mean time until I save a bit more cash for a proper build. Its just the access that is the hard thing! Maybe get a bit more room if the engine mounts are dropped on that side though. With the 8mm thread not being very good and not holding the 8mm bolt, I was thinking of asking him to put some of that metal putty round an 8mm helicoil just to give it a better grip?? Don't see there being much problem with that as there will be no pressure on the rocker cover anyway and as long as it seals properly I'd be happy enough with that for the mean time.

Edited February 6, 2012 by joe g

[ciaranrb5]

I have a pair of V6 sti heads if need be although one valve bent but im sure you could use he casings if need be?

[Joe G]

PM your way Ciaran

[BalliSTIc]

Ooooooooh this could get expensive!!!!!!! lol

[Joe G]

Ooooooooh this could get expensive!!!!!!! lol

Yep! It could!! But its about time I got my finger out and joined the band wagon properly haha!!!

[jef]

if its a second car get engine out and do some work, gives you time to save and can increase as you go, esp if planning on keeping

everyday car then not really an option and id probably being looking at the cheapest secure fix tbh

[arch]

I'm thinking of just asking him to helicoil (8mm outer thread and 6mm inner thread) it for the mean time until I save a bit more cash for a proper build. Its just the access that is the hard thing! Maybe get a bit more room if the engine mounts are dropped on that side though. With the 8mm thread not being very good and not holding the 8mm bolt, I was thinking of asking him to put some of that metal putty round an 8mm helicoil just to give it a better grip?? Don't see there being much problem with that as there will be no pressure on the rocker cover anyway and as long as it seals properly I'd be happy enough with that for the mean time.

If you are going to use an M8 helicoil the hole would need to be drilled out to 8.3mm then tapped for the helicoil insert. So as long as the 8mm thread isnt to damaged you should be ok with an 8mm insert but access is the issue.

[ciaranrb5]

I touch goats.

[Joe G]

It's more the fact that there is not really any scope for going bigger with the existing hole due to it being so close to the outer edge of the casing. Gonna call Duncan thismorning and throw some ideas at him and see what he says. Failing that I might end up going a wee bit mad with it. Oh dear lol.