Quote:
Originally Posted by jbfla
Regardless, I now have two holes to fix before I can refasten the valve covers.
Retap with a larger bolt? Heli-coil? Time-sert?
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All are valid repair methods. It really depends on what you have at hand. If you happen to have some Helicoils that fit, use those. Same for the Time-Serts. Neither is going to be better than the other here. We're talking around 5-10 ft/lbs of torque max for a M6x1.0 bolt, depending upon grade, in this application. Cost-wise, Time-Sert kits will set you back more than the Helicoil kits. Pete's suggestion of tapping to 1/4" UNC would work as well, but then you're left with two bastard bolts in the engine. I usually try to avoid a situation like that. Keep it metric or american, not a mix.
BlackBike's suggestion to install studs is interesting. It would solve any future thread galling in the existing, un-stripped holes for sure, but I'm uncertain about clearance on the exhaust side of the engine to remove the valve cover. I would probably stay with bolts if it were my bike and I planned on selling it in the near future.