Pentastar 3.6L Head Bolt Thread Repair on a Budget

We recently received a great question from Michael, a DIYer facing a common problem of stripped threads for head bolts: repairing He's got two stripped holes for cylinder head bolts on a Pentastar 3.6L engine. His ask? “Would I be able to rent a Time-Sert 8313 repair kit or pay a usage fee? It’s a lot for me to afford for a one-time use (at least I pray I never have to do it again). Any help would be so greatly appreciated, thank you.” Michael’s situation is one many gearheads and weekend mechanics can relate to—needing a specialized tool without breaking the bank. So, let’s dive into this and explore some solutions.

The Challenge: Expensive Tools, One-Time Use

Thread repair kits like the Time-Sert 8313 are precision tools designed to fix damaged threads—like those pesky cylinder head bolt holes—back to factory strength. But Michael’s right: they’re not cheap. For a job you hope to do only once, dropping serious cash can sting. He wondered if renting or paying a usage fee could ease the burden. It’s a fair question, and one we hear often.
Here’s the rub: as authorized distributors, we can’t rent out tools or offer usage fees. It’s not just our policy—it’s tied to our agreements and the practical risks involved. These kits include delicate components like taps and core drills, and a single mishap (think dropping one on the garage floor) could render them useless. Replacing a damaged tap or drill? That’s close to $200 a pop. The potential for wear or damage makes renting a no-go for us.

A Smart Workaround: Buy, Use, Resell

But don’t despair, Michael—there’s a way to make this work without feeling like you’re stuck with a pricey paperweight. Here’s our suggestion: buy a new Time-Sert 8313 kit, use it strategically, and then resell it to recoup your cost. Let me break it down.
Instead of just fixing the two damaged threads, consider repairing all the threaded holes for those head bolts. Why? If one or two are weak, the others might not be far behind—stress on a cylinder head can expose the weakest link over time. Using the kit to restore every thread ensures you’re not back under the hood next year cursing a new failure. Once the job’s done, list the kit on eBay or a similar platform. You could even sweeten the deal for buyers by picking up some extra inserts to replenish it—boosting its resale value and making it a win-win.

Why New Beats Used

Now, you might be tempted to skip us and grab a used kit off eBay to save a few bucks upfront. Fair warning: that’s a gamble. Used kits can come with worn taps, chipped drills, or missing pieces—problems that could derail your repair mid-job. When you buy new from us, you’re guaranteed a complete, pristine kit that’ll get the job done right. Then, once you’re finished, you sell it—passing it on in good shape and pocketing some of your investment back. It’s a low-risk play compared to rolling the dice on someone else’s leftovers.

Tools You’ll Need

Ready to tackle it? Here’s what we recommend:

Time-Sert 8313 Chrysler Pentastar Head Bolt Thread Repair Kit (M12x1.5) – The full kit for your Pentastar 3.6L repair.

Extra M12x1.5x30 Carbon Steel Inserts – Optional, but great for topping off the kit before resale.

Let’s Get You Started

Michael, we’d love to help you nail this repair without the stress. If you’re interested, place your order through the links above or call to order. Got questions? Drop us a line here or call us directly at 800-524-9783. We’re here to make sure you’re back on the road, threads and all, without feeling the pinch.
Have a similar repair challenge? Tell us about it in the comments below—we’re always happy to brainstorm solutions!

At Wise Auto Tools, we’ve been selling thread repair products since 2005. If you need a thread repair kit, or if you’re unsure which thread repair kit is right for your project, use our application lookup tool, fill out our “Contact Us” form, or call us at 800-734-8665. We’re here to help you get the job done right the first time.