Stripped studs in exhaust mounting help!

[AaronF]

It seems as i ran into another problem.At the exhaust mounting,the inside of the cylinder threads are stripped.Is there any kind of spray paint that will stand the heat and keep the studs mounted in there fairly good?Any suggestions would be great,because if i were to buy a whole new cylinder top I'd be out another $50 bucks and could have bought a new engine kit.Thanks

[bseelbach]

If you stripped the M6 stud, you can retap the hole to 1/4 20. A stripped M6 hole is almost the perfect size to retap. If you need to run a drill through it first, use a #7.

[AaronF]

Thank you for the suggestion.Would the local True Value/Ace Hardware have the thread repairing kits in this size? Could there possibly something else i could try?Thanks

[Sydneysider]

I agree with bseelbach, I would re-tap it to 1/4 20 its the best way as there is so much vibration at that end it would likely just shake the muffler off.. Good luck

[bseelbach]

You can buy the supplies needed at most hardware stores. 1/4 20 is available at virtually any place. Check Autozone for a tap kit. I think they have small sets (either metric or standard) that come with 3 taps and a handle for $8-9. A small Ace or True Value will run you $10 for a handle and $4/tap. Make sure to buy a tap handle and cutting fluid as well. If you are not mechanically inclined, I would suggest having someone else help you. Go slow, make sure the tap is 90 degrees to the hole and turn the tap 1/4 to 1/2 at a time and then back it off a bit. You want to make sure that the chips come out.

Your problems will be much, much worse if you break a tap in the hole.

[GearNut]

90 degrees to the hole.... eek!
Make sure it is straight and true to the origional hole. Not crooked in any way. Go slow with a tap and always keep moderate pressure pushing it into the hole. Do not let the threads it is cutting "pull" it into the hole. That will give you a bad thread cut. Proper tap cutting oil is best, but even WD40 (ugh ) will work in a pinch. As previously said, always turn it in 1/4 to 1/2 turn and then turn it backwards a 1/2 turn to break the newly formed metal chip. If you do not do this the tap will become overwhelmed and snap off in the hole! It is not a fancy drill bit......
Good luck, and be patient!

[bseelbach]

Sorry- meant 90 degrees to the casting........

[AaronF]

I called True Value today they have the tap for $7.99 without the handle,Auto Zone has the whole kit for $21.99

I've got a steady hand that i think a pair of vice/pliers will do the job if i were to go with just the taper...You guys are saying go with the 1/4 20. meaning i would have to get a bigger bolt,couldn't i just re-tap it with the M6 kit?Thanks a bunch guys!

[bseelbach]

This is the autozone set I was talking about. $7 for 5 taps and a handle.

AutoZone.com | ThreadRepair | 6pcs.SAEtapwrenchset

If your M6 bots stripped out, the hole does not have enough metal to allow for threads. The threads have pulled out. Options at this point are to 1) fill it and drill and retap to M6 or 2) tap to a larger size such as 1/4 20. Option 2 is much easier.

Don't try using pliers. It can technically be used but is more difficult. The tap t handle will allow you keep even pressure and keep it straight. Splurge for the tap handle and you will be much happier than the alternative.

[tyrslider]

Actually you can helicoil it using m6 helicoil which requires it to be drilled larger for the insert (stronger than original). Which will allow the same size stud and require no further mods.

Oh yeah! Don't use anything but a tap handle or you'll ovalize the hole making it weaker!