Hi Guys
I fitted a new BOV to my WRX STI and accidentally over tightened one of the bolts onto the intercooler
It now will not tighten fully.

Never had this happen to me before!
What are my options? Would a re-threading tool fix it? Never used one so totally in the dark.
Thanks.

 

yep, time to get a helicoil in there to repair the thread.

Basically the heli coil comes with a special sized drill and tap (larger than the original bolt size), you drill and tap the new thread with this, then screw in what looks like a spring and snap off the end.
The original bolt will then go back in shweet.


Andy

 

Hi Andy

Thanks very much for that.
I shall have to get myself a heli coil!

 

eBay.co.uk - helicoil kit items at low prices

 

Thanks for the link Andy.
Dave

 

Hi Andy

Sorry to sound thick, but is there any particular size kit that I would need or are they pretty generic?

Thanks.

 

i think the bov bolts are m8 thread,so you will need an m8 helicoil kit

 

Many thanks johnnyroper.

I will defo use a torque wrench next time!

 

make sure you get the correct thread pitch mind!!!

 

make sure you remove the I/C and wash out any swarf with petrol before you use it!

 

bugger double post..

 

The original hole doesn't go all the way through so as long as you don't drill too deep there is no need to do this !


Andy

 

try ptfe tape on it first, worth a try before attacking the engine with a drill. You'll only make it worse!!

 

it is worth a try but i doubt ptfe and stripped threads will hold on bov with 1bar of boost behind it.

take your time with it and you will be fine with the helicoil,a rag in the outlet hole and a blob of grease on drill bit and then thread tap will prevent swarf in intercooler

 

Good luck with a helicoil if it doesnt go all the way through then..Personally I'd use thread lock or some PTFE as the post says above.

 

OMFG..

Remind me to never let you near my car.

 

Hey, only trying to suggest a cheap simple solution before he makes an expensive mess when trying to fit a helicoil. He will only get one chance

 

Thanks to everyone for their advice.

Much appreciated.
Dave

 

As previously posted a helicoil is the best way to go. The other temp measures may work but are a poor long term solution. If you are not sure, and have never used a helicoil kit or retapped a thread, the best option is probably to remove the intercooler. This is a 20 minute job, take the intercooler to a local garage and they will do it for you. I also doubt if they will charge you much as it is a quick job.

 

Thanks Arch.
I have managed to enlist the help of a friend who has done this before.
He is coming round later in the week to sort it for me.