I have a 2004 Honda CRV and slightly stripped the the aluminum block threads as I tightened the new starter down for the top bolt. Now when I try to tighten it, it won't "grab" on to the threads and drive deeper, it just spins. The bolt appears to be in fine condition.
I'm thinking I'll have to retap the hole; however, I believe only the outermost threads are stripped (probably <1/4"), while the threads deeper in the hole are fine. I would like to attempt tapping the hole at the same thread/pitch it's currently set for before moving to the next bigger size, but I want to guarantee that the threads deeper in will line up with my newly recut threads. I know regular taps are tapered a bit, will that be sufficient or do there exist taps specifically for recutting the outside of the hole (i.e. they are extremely tapered and grab onto the threads deeper in and recut only the outer threads as you tighten)? Or is there something else I'm missing? I think it's a M10-1.25.
I'll add it's pretty tight, I couldn't fit my drill in there, but I'm guessing such a drill exists. Also not really room for a full size tap wrench, I'd probably have to replace the handles with short bolts.
