Lightwin & Helicoil repair of thread

[green-thumbs]

I have a stripped thread to repair. 1/4 x 20 in aluminum block that head bolt screws into. Looks like a job for Heli Coil thread repair. I see .375 & .500 lengths and 304 stainless steel. Is there enough meat in block for Heli Coil and which length to use. I would appreciate advice from those who have been there done that. The other option is to weld, drill and tap. I have considered and passed on epoxy fix.

Thank You

Louis

[frankr]

.375 is plenty long enough.  Actually longer than need be.  .250 or longer will do.  Whatever is available and meat space will work.

[crosbyman]

fixed up one of my  winter oldies  with them  and  worked out great … jump in

 

make certain  to use the proper drill size..then tap away

Joining AOMCI has priviledges 🙂

[frankr]

Heli coil should not reach the bottom of the hole.

[green-thumbs]

Thank You for prompt replies. Will report back on results.

I have one more question…I believe I am member in good standing and somewhat computer aware, but, site name does not show at upper right even if I sign in. Has something changed or do I have an issue?

Louis

[green-thumbs]

Update on duo of Lightwins. After reviewing online offerings, went to Home Depot. They do not carry thread repair product as an in store item. They do offer EZ Lock as a store pickup item. HeliCoil is not offered. EZ Lock kit was less than $20. Delivery time to store not very swift.

In checking the impeller on #1  the impeller looked OK, Getting the drive shaft back into gearcase and the water pump buttoned up was fairly easy once the positioning of gearcase was understood.

Impeller in #2 was a marginal so a new impeller and water tube grommet were installed and water pump/drive shaft assembly were joined to gear case with no trouble. So far so good…Despite many efforts and ALL the tricks I could think of, joining the lower unit assembly to the upper unit (leg) just would not happen.

Finally, a close look at both old grommet and new grommet revealed some differences in design and size. Out with the new and in with the old. That and a few more tries and all went together smoothly. Chalk up an hour or so t0 learning experience.

Can not wait to discover surprises in carburetor kit.

Louis

 

A word about the costs. Available and Affordable ignition and impeller make reviving these Lightwins worthwhile effort. That said, an outboard with missing parts will be a money pit  If you have the missing parts to complete a parts motor you still have to consider why parts motor is a parts motor. Learning experiences can be Mechanical or Financial or both.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

• This reply was modified 3 years, 1 month ago by green-thumbs.

[crosbyman]

Some carb kits have  orange color  gaskets which…apparently  curl up and dissolve  key an eye open

Joining AOMCI has priviledges 🙂

[dave-bernard]

watch for gaskets not thick enough. round one for the pickup.

[green-thumbs]

Thread repair kit arrived today. Read and printed up instructions first. Kit did not include 17/64″ drill bit needed nor did it include a small Allen Wrench needed to adjust the stop. The hole with bad thread was drilled out in two steps, first with 15/64″ followed by 17/64″, Better to shave off a little bit at a time than to try to get it all in one shot.

The tap provided in kit easily cut the threads,

Inserting the thread insert did not go well until I understood the tang was on leading edge not the following edge. Breaking off tank after insert is in place finished the thread repair.

Installed cylinder head and torqued the bolts. I promise myself to be more careful in future.

 

 

[crosbyman]

utube is your friend….

Joining AOMCI has priviledges 🙂

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