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We recently came across an article that stated the more expensive, longer Time Sert kits made for head bolt thread repair are not really needed. They suggested using a less expensive, shorter tooling Time Sert kit and installing threads near the surface, then switching to different head bolts entirely.The article discusses the common issue of stripped threads in aluminum engine blocks when torquing head bolts. It mentioned that manufacturer-specific thread repair kits can be expensive, particula …

Aluminum head bolt threads pulling out on Polaris engines is a fairly common problem. Installing a solid bushing-type steel insert is the best fix. Avoiding the expense of some of the larger kits designed for automotive applications is a smart way to save money and still get a quality repair. The larger Time-Sert kits, for example, are designed for doing repairs when the threads start down several inches. With threads flush or near the surface, a much less expensive kit made by Time-Sert can be …

This article is in video format at the bottom of the page! How severely can a spark plug hole in an aluminum engine head, which previously had a repair insert and has since blown out, making the hole bigger and showing signs of erosion, be damaged and still be fixable? Basically, there needs to be enough material to ream or drill out so that complete threads can be tapped to accept an oversize spark plug insert. The image above shows a spark plug hole after a Napa Fix-A-Thread insert failed, lea …

We had a recent customer that asked this question.Question - I need a big sert for a 2000 Chevy Silverado 5.3 . Stripped insert already or damaged not tightening. Which kit do I need to fix the head bolt threads on a 2000 Silverado with a 5.3 for a second time repair when a Helicoil has failed? Answer - The oversize kit for a second time repair when a Helicoil has failed, on a 2000 Chevy Silverado with a 5.3 Liter which uses an M11x2.0 head bolt size is the 3700BS. For others …

Modern car engines are made with a combination of materials, including aluminum and plastic, for various reasons, primarily related to performance, efficiency, and weight reduction. Here are some of the key reasons for using these materials: Aluminum: Lightweight: Aluminum is much lighter than iron, which was commonly used in older engines, although there are some cast iron blocks around still. One example being some Chevy LS engines. Lighter engines improve fuel efficiency and reduce the over …