Ok, first off, I can see why no one seems to use that sorry search function.... Sorry if this has been asked before...


I'm finally in the middle of my top end. Decided to tear it all down and do the head job, base gaskets and such... I made up my mind to replace the cyl studs while I'm in there.. It took me 45min to get the last (R/R) stud our of the case.. Naturally, my luck dictated that some of the threads would come with it.. They are boogered up, but if it were less critical and easier to get to, I could probably chase it and be fine. The top two threads are completely gone and the lower threads are gaulled..

So, what is the standard repair? Simple Heli-Coil, Time-Cert, something else? I understand a case would be a good idea, but I'm not going that route. Any experienced words of wisdom???

Thanks guys,

 

The only experience I have of a stripped cylinder stud thread was on my 1968Velocette Thruxton, many years ago. I had it helicoiled, which I reckon is the best engineering solution.

Helicoil is a tradename for a wire insert, which requires a set of special tools to install, dedicated to the size of thread being repaired. To repair my Velo I had the bike trailered to and from a local dealer, which was cheaper than buying the set of tools at the time.

Helicoil would be my preferred choice.

 

Thanks for the reply... I've done a little research of the Time Sert since I posted.. It appears its common enough to have a dedicated kit for it... The cost is more, but I really like them more than the Heli-Coil option. Same idea, but much stronger.. They have some video's on the link as well, if anyone is not familiar with them, pretty cool....

Take a look...

 

Hi Greg,

It looks to me as if the Time Sert is a solid insert, which may be more bulky than a helicoil. If it helps at all, aircraft engine makers such as Rolls-Royce (I started my working life with them as an engineer, which is how I know!) use them as standard parts in production. Another way of looking at them is that an aircraft engine is a few hundred helicoil inserts flying in close formation!

There is not a lot of spare metal around the crankcase mouth. Have you asked a local Harley specialist what they recommend?

 

I've used several designs of the "other" types in various applications and honestly, if it were my bike, Helicoil is the way I'd go - period. You can buy the "kit" with tools at most auto parts stores and they really aren't that pricey.

Assuming that's the way you go, bear in mind there are several lengths offered and you should use the closest length to the thickness of the case without being longer. Use high-strength Loctite (sparingly) and if you don't want to split the cases, have someone hold a strong shop-vac at the hole when drilling and tapping.

 

I've done time serts on spark plugs I like the principle for cyl studs I would go with the time serts They are stronger

 

Well,
I found Time Serts to be a pain in the **** to find.. So, I tracked down a Keen Sert(same idea, little different) and hope to install it tomorrow.. I can appreciate the feelings about the Heli Coils, I just have a bit more faith in the solid instert though I'm sure they'll all do the job.. Thanks for the input, I'll let you know how it works out..

 

Timeserts are much stronger than helicoils. I used timeserts on the headbolt threads on my Cadillac Northstar engine block, they work real nice. They are the authorized GM repair for aluminum blocks. I thought I saw they have a kit for Harley engines, look on Ebay, thats where I got mine.

 

Your right, they do have a kit for this application. I called them and it was something that they didnt sell alot of. Unfortunatly, didnt find them on eBay.. I would have to order directly from them, 5 days from Arizona... I had intentions of doing most of the work this week and finishing this weekend, didnt think I had the 5 days to waste... Looking back, I'd have them by now.. Being impatient, I found the Keen Sert locally and went that route. It looks like a direct comparison though(great recomendation Mia).... Damn weather is getting nice here...... Need to finish it....