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Is there anything I can use short of Helicoil, which I'm really hoping not to have to use, to make sure a bolt sits in its threaded socket in my engine block and torques to spec ? The problem that I am having on my Tacoma is that there is a timing chain cover bolt which reaches the end of the hole but the hole threads (I made sure it is not the bolt by putting the bolt in another hole and trying to put another bolt in that hole) won't grip it tight.

Will something like thread locker be helpful ?

amphibient
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2 Answers2

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Loctite thread repair product #: 28654 (also known as Form-A-Thread) may help your problem. I wouldn't suggest using it on a headbolt but I think on a timing cover it would work. Basically it a filler material and a release agent. You fill the hole with one of the materials of the kit. The bolt is coated with a second material, a release agent that keeps the bolt from sticking to the filler. The bolt is inserted in to the filled hole. The bolt forms the threads. Once the filler material hardens the bolt is removed leaving the threads in place.

mikes
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Unfortunately, thread locker won't help here

That's because the thread is damaged, and thread locker needs thread to help secure the bolt in place.

No thread → no grip → bolt will still spin in place.

Helicoil is the standard go-to solution to solve this mess

There are other alternatives, but no shortcuts:

  • metal putty, which should allow you to fill the hole and recreate new thread
  • Keen-serts, if the Helicoil repair didn't work out as planned
Community
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Zaid
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