RX7 Zac

You know the plastic housing that the upper radiator belt goes onto, then connects to the engine... Well, I overtightened it and now the inside has become metal shreds... Any suggestions? I feel like I just ruined my car D:

87 t-66

iTrader: (133)

drill it out or get another housing

20Bforme

+1

really the only thing you can do.

RotaryEvolution

iTrader: (30)

go to the hardware store and ask the clerk for a 6mmX1.0 "heli-coil" set.

it will require drilling and tapping but the end result will be much stronger than the original.

arghx

iTrader: (3)

+1 for heli coil. they aren't too expensive in that size.

what you have encountered is common on the thermostat housing. I've done it twice, once on my old FC and once on my old Supra

RX7 Zac

Ah the pics are a bit misleading because I left the plastic housing on... I stripped the inside of the block, under the plastic housing. Been talking to people and everyone recommends tap and die, so that seems to be the way to go. Thanks!

RotaryEvolution

iTrader: (30)

you can't tap it any larger because the neck holes are only made for a 6mm size threaded bolt, which comes back to heli-coil which is a stainless steel thread insert after tapping the hole to the next size larger. it allows you to use the same size original bolt while ditching the weak aluminum threads.

john ward

iTrader: (7)

No the pictures were not misleading. Do what Karack and Arghx said and all will be good. Heli coils are fairly simple to install.

Nick_d_TII

iTrader: (6)

There are also press-in and screw-in threaded inserts, although I've never used them...

http://www.mcmaster.com/#threaded-inserts/=cc23gt

RotaryEvolution

iTrader: (30)

after seeing thread-serts fail miserably in my time at cadillac on the northstar engines i try to avoid them like the plague.

the self tapping would probably be the best alternative, the press fit ones just don't hold.

stevensimon

iTrader: (11)

I've had amazing luck with kingserts, not so much with heli coil

RX7 Zac

Thanks everyone, all seems good following these suggestions... Started with no leak for a few minutes... Just giving the gasket some time to set in, going to start and drive it soon!