Stripped Threads - Belt Tension plate

[Treachery]

I just made a stupid mistake! I feeling like shooting myself!

I overtightened the bolt that anchors the belt tensioner plate to the Vortech head.

The belt tension plate is held down by 3 bolts. The one that is stripped is the one that bolts on to the middle of the head. It no longer tightens.

What are my options? Would using a stud instead of a bolt be a good idea? There looks to be space for a stud given the correct length. Would a heli coil help out in this situation? If so, can it be done without opening the head?

I spoke to Vortech and they said for me to send the entire head to them. The will replace the insert and do a "minor" repair- check/replace seals, bearings, etc. About $500 max.

[root]

Very simple - get yourself a heli-coil kit, drill out the threads, tap for the heli coil and install. Very easy, quick, and cheap.

Ian

[tstang]

Id do as Ian said. If you dont wanna do it yourself. Bring it in to a machine shop they'll charge ya like $20-$30 Id think. Good Luck.

[WOHORSY]

helicoil kits are about $15.00. greatest thing since sliced bread. just remember to put a stop on the drill bit so you don't go through the cover (if you do it yourself).