Thread Repair
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 GMC Sierra, 2004 GMC Cab & Chassis Sierra, 2004 Chevrolet Silverado, and 2004 Chevrolet Cab & Chassis Silverado. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
Tools Required
J 39345 Thread Repair Kit. See Special Tools and Equipment .
The following procedure is used to accomplish proper and durable thread repairs in the cylinder head and the cylinder block, using the J 39345 .
- Select the proper size drill as indicated in the schematic charts found in Thread Repair Specifications for the hole being repaired.
- Drill out the damaged threads to the original depth or completely through for through holes.
- Apply compressed air with a shop towel wrapped around the air spout, in order to retain the chips forced out of the hole.
- Select the correct size tap, using the appropriate chart for the hole being repaired.
- Coat the tap and the hole with spray machining oil.
- Tap the hole to the original depth. In order to clean the threads, reverse the rotation of the tap periodically.
- Use solvent to clean out all of the chips.
- Apply compressed air with a shop towel wrapped around the air spout, in order to retain the chips forced out of the hole.
- Tap the hole again to clean the threads. The tap should thread in with little resistance.
- Use solvent to clean out all of the chips.
- Apply compressed air with a shop towel wrapped around the air spout, in order to retain the chips forced out of the hole.
- Use a flashlight to confirm that all of the chips are removed from the hole.
- Continue to clean the hole until all of the chips are cleared.
- Install the heli-coil insert as follows:
- In order to determine the correct size installation tool and length insert, refer to the appropriate picture and chart.
- Screw the insert on the mandrel of the installation tool until the driving tang is fully engaged in the driving contour.
- Coat the insert with spray machining oil.
- Install the insert as follows:
- Slide the prewinder over the mandrel and insert.
- Rotate the mandrel clockwise until 1 or 2 threads of the insert are threaded into the prewinder.
- Place the insert in position on the threaded hole being repaired.
- Rotate the mandrel clockwise until the insert is flush with the top surface of the threaded hole.
- Remove the prewinder except when repairing cylinder head bolts.
- Continue to install the insert until reaching the original thread depth.
- Remove the mandrel.
- Remove the driving tang from the thread insert as follows. The tang must be removed in order to allow passage of the fastener through the insert.
- Place the square end of the punch, no chamfer, on the tang after installation.
- Strike the punch sharply with the hammer. The tang will break off at the notch.
- Clean the hole using compressed air. Take appropriate steps to assure that chips are not blown into the engine.
IMPORTANT:
Take appropriate precautions to assure that machining chips will not remain inside the engine. For example, block all intake passages, oil drainback holes and exhaust passages with a towel or tape before performing thread repairs.
CAUTION:
Refer to Safety Glasses Caution in Cautions and Notices.
IMPORTANT:
Make sure all of the chips are cleared from the hole.