Well after snapping a headbolt, I've managed to get it out but I have damaged the threads in the block. So my question is, are wire thread inserts (helicoils) up to the job or do I need a new block?

 

allegedly helicoils are stronger than original thread and are used in race engines

 

Just spoke to a fixings company on the phone, they sell a kit which includes the helicoils (15mm long), the tap and the insertion tool.

The depth of the thread in the block is around 25mm so this raised the issue of the 15mm helicoil being dwarfed by the 25mm depth of thread in the block. The company said they have 20mm long inserts for an extra few quid. Looks like I'll be paying them a visit tomorrow to relieve myself of £35

Fucking car.

 

Could be worse mate!! At least you havent done irrepairable damage

 

www.timecert.com

These are what i have in my block. they are very good and in my opinion better than Helicoil.
You can also insert a longer thread than standard if need be.

Matt.

 

The helicoil kit cost me £45 including the correct size drill bit (which was £9 alone) and the helicoils have stood up to the job and taken the 110Nm of torque.

The bad news is, the smoke is still present when running which points to the head being cracked so its all got to come off again, once I can source a new head

 

ive snapped one of mine just havent got round to drilling it out yet scared of fukin it aswell

 

you need helicoil kit size M10. Try to get oversize helicoils as the ones in the kit are 15mm long, I've found that 20mm long will fit very nicely, these are about 50p extra but are worth it. The correct size drill bit is 10.4mm. If its worth doing, its worth doing right.

I would'nt bother trying to remove the old stud if its seized solid, just drill and tap it. As I said, the whole kit cost me £45 but the helicoil has taken the 110Nm torque with no problems.