Helicoil advice needed

[rubin]

In my attempts to get my 'new' purchase on the road, I noticed one of the exhaust bolts has been stripped, then repaired by what I can only assume to be a helicoil. I have no direct experience with them myself, but it appears to be just a coil of wire pushed into the original hole. When I was replacing the exhaust, the coiled wire started coming out and the header did not seal with the head. I tore it apart again, and this time pressed hard while bolting it up, and it seemed to do the trick. Is this normal, and I can continue to safely use this? Should I be looking for a new head and replace at first opportunity?

 

[Wee Todd]

you can buy the kit to replace the original heli coil.Simply strip out the old one (grap the loose strand and tear it out) and with the kit you can thread in a new coil,,,,length of the coil will determine applied torque

 

[crazypj]

If it 'pushes' in, its trashed.
A Helicoil, properly fitted, is way stronger than original material (larger outside diameter and stainless steel thread)
It should be threaded into hole, the slightly larger outside diameter squishes down to hold it in place
Anyone who tells you to use (or they use Loctite) doesn't know how Helicoils work and you should run away from them, they will screw up more than they fix
You have 4 alternatives
1. Good used head
2. weld and tap back to stock size
3. find inch size bolt that is lightly larger than stripped hole, tap head, cut off bolt, drill, tap to stock size
4. use oversize bolt and drill out exhaust flange (always looks nasty and 'bodged')

PJ

 

[Wee Todd]

heli coil should work fine if properly installed.......if the installation was botched,,start back to square one

 

[gane]

Still another option. If original helicoil 's hole is reasonably intact, it's possible that a "timesert" can be installed . luck G

 

[crazypj]

Timesert uses same size tap as Helicoil, if hole is messed up, it won't work

 

[rubin]

I was able to get it back in. I know this is only a temporary fix, but hey - my XJ11 is in Windsor and this one is with me. I want to start riding! It seems the hole itself is ok and it appears to be holding well. I think a new head will be in my future, but for the time being (and in line with keeping costs down) I will let it go. How long do you think I have before I should replace this?

I should pass safety tonight (Fingers Crossed!!) and with insurance and a plate, can be on the road tomorrow night.

Wish me luck!