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mgatlag · Joined: 02 Aug 2007 Posts: 647 Location: Avon, IN

Today I am tracking down an annoying oil leak and noticed that 2 of the threaded holes for the valve cover are stripped. This metal is very thin already so re-tapping to a larger size doesn't look possible. Is there something out there that will fix the threads that are stipped in the head? I've read on the board about something called Permatex? Will that work?
I also noticed that one of the exhaust manifold studs just spins in the head

. So it looks like I have the same issue with that hole too.
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Michael
'77 1/2 924 N/A- 5 speed Audi box
'04 Ford Taurus - gone!!
'92 Jeep Cherokee Laredo - gone!!

Porsche... better than tea with Miss McGill
(Slap Shot)

!tom · Posted: Mon Oct 25, 2010 9:17 am Post subject:

Permatex is a brand of a gasket material.

You're looking for a threaded insert for restoring threads. Heli-coil is one brand, there are many other similar products out there.

Basically, you re-tap for a slightly larger size (usually a non-standard size), and screw in an insert, which results in a restored thread of the original size.

If you really didn't have any extra room, you could try your own technique. You might be able to line the hole with JB Weld, then drill and tap that to the correct size. As this is just holding the valve cover on, it's not a critical part, so this technique may work sufficiently.
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78 924 NA
5-lug

leadfoot · Posted: Mon Oct 25, 2010 11:51 am Post subject:

agreed, the two part aluminium epoxy that you can get would probably satisfy the job,
BTW they are supposed to be studs, not bolts...
Stu
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1981 ROW 924 Turbo -
carbon fiber GT mish mash
LS1 conversion in progress...

RC · Joined: 25 Mar 2007 Posts: 2637 Location: Australia

Epoxies have their uses but IMHO this is not one. Do the job properly with a SS thread insert. Helicoil, Permacoil, Recoil, Timesert are common brand names, available at your local industrial / bearing shop, or ebay. Get the kit with tap, application tool and enough inserts to do all the holes. Same with the manifold holes, use a M8x1.25. However will probably need to remove manifold first. I`ve done all mine and have a considerably stronger thread with no chance of ever stripping again.
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World`s quickest 924 2L slushbox

mgatlag · Joined: 02 Aug 2007 Posts: 647 Location: Avon, IN

The auto parts store does carry helicoils and I've read up on them quite a bit so I think I'll give that a try tomorrow. Probably going to get all new studs too because some of mine are bolts and some are studs.

I'll also be trying to track down a pretty good oil leak too. All I know right now is the exhaust side of the engine is pretty covered. Which in turn means the driveway is too....
_________________
Michael
'77 1/2 924 N/A- 5 speed Audi box
'04 Ford Taurus - gone!!
'92 Jeep Cherokee Laredo - gone!!

Porsche... better than tea with Miss McGill
(Slap Shot)

leadfoot · Posted: Mon Oct 25, 2010 11:27 pm Post subject:

yep sorry, didn't see the manifold stud issue, that needs a helicoil...
S.
_________________
1981 ROW 924 Turbo -
carbon fiber GT mish mash
LS1 conversion in progress...