have any of you used HeliCoil for drain plug thread repair? Tks

 

I haven’t personally use a helicoil kit although from talking with several mechanics it is the best solution for fixing a striped drain plug. The general installation looks fairly simple and I have been told it is a fairly common practice. The only other solution is to drill the oil drainage hole one size bigger. The dealership covered my Bayou’s engine case when they over tightened the plug thus striping the plug and cracking the engine case. Most automotive stores will be able to answer any questions you have. Good luck.

 

What kind of bike?? I have heard you can u an LT250r bolt for a honda 250r you just have to tap it one size bigger. I had a guy put a tiem insert in my 250r. I think that is what it is called. It is a steal insert that is pressed into the case. Works great now leaks

 

I have used heli coils on spark plug threads in an aluminum VW head and it worked very well. For the spark plug threads, I drilled out the hole to the correct size and then used a tap to cut new threads, then insert the heli-coil. Most auto parts stores can get them or have them on hand, I got mine at Car Quest. There will be a chart with it showing what size the hole needs to be drilled out to, then also purchase the correct tap to cut the threads for the coil and also purchase the insertion tool for installing the coil. I also used some "red" Locktite on the coil to hold it in place. You want the plug to come out, not the coil and the plug. Good Luck.

 

Your auto parts stores ("Pep Boys," etc.) carry "first oversize" and "second oversize," maybe more, replacement drain plugs.

Sometimes an oversized plug can be used without resorting to helicoils. A dealership overtightened the oil drain plug in my Bayou (not that I am incapable of that misadventure myself!); I got a good seal with a "first oversize" 12 mm replacement drain plug; works great, only: the head is 15mm hex bolt size (only one on the quad), hafta carry an extra wrench!

Tree Farmer

 

At the shop that I work at we have done many heli coils. When you do the drilling it is a good idea to use a vacumm next to the drill bit to try and stop any metal from going inside the cases. Take your time, don't rush.

 

I have a helicoil in mine, make sure there isn't anything right above the drain hole inside the engine, mine had interference about 1/2-3/4" past the hole and the tap wouldn't go in far enough, so the top few threads arn't quite deep enough, so I had to shorten the drain bolt.

Also shorten the length of the helicoil so it doesn't stick out into your engine or it will be hard to drain all your oil and will probably keep any chunks of metal inside the engine.

Besides that its very easy to do, and the steel helicoil is many times stronger than the aluminum thread and it won't ever come out. You can buy a cheap kit which comes with the helicoil, tap, and drill bit.

Rod 86 250R

 

I've used the helicoil too and it worked fine. Like they said just take you time.

 

you can also get a over sized piggy back plud witch is a plug with a smaller lug in the center of it that way the big plug stays in all the time so you dont have to mess with that shot alumnimn these are also locater at auto part stores

john