<VV> Repair of head stud holes

[Frank DuVal]

True Dennis, I've always used two normal helicoils, but on occasion have 
had the 1" or so length that worked fine.

Yes, the hole can be tapped and the helicoils inserted with the engine 
in the car. FCs are another matter, as the heads don't come off! The 
piston stays on, but the jug comes off. I've had to make the stud into a 
helicoil installer. Getting the piece that you break off (two when using 
two coils) out of the engine is the trickiest part. It can be done with 
tape through the hole with the jug missing. In the worst case the top 
cover needs to be removed. This little hard piece should not be left in 
the engine to cause trouble!

And of course you will need a "take apart" ring compressor.

Frank DuVal

Dennis Pleau wrote:

>I've heard you need to use the long Heli-coils or two coils for head studs.
>I've never done it, but have heard over and over one standard coils has a
>good chance of pulling.
>
>dp
>
>
>
>  
>
>>While reinstalling the heads one of the .006 studs  backed out. Clarks
>>sells Heli-coil and Time-Sert inserts. I've used heli-coil type inserts on
>>other bolt holes but this is the first time I've had to repair a head stud
>>hole. It's on #2, next to oil cooler,  so I may be able to do it w/o
>>    
>>
>pulling
>  
>
>>the engine.  Any input (pros,cons, suggestions) will be greatly
>>    
>>
>appreciated.
>
>  
>