I need to make some clearance to helicoil the bottom left cam cover bolt exhaust side.

Annoyingly the thread in the head has perished, probably due to the heat from the area. The bolt still does up but wont go tight so needs to be fixed.

The only way I can think of to create the clearance I need is to pull the engine up, do you think there would be enough clearance if I leave the gearbox attached?

 

anyone got any ideas?

 

I'd pull the engine out and take your time doing it. I'd also be inclined to leave the cover on whilst its done to prevent swarf getting into the head.
For a proper 100% job it'd be engine out, head off, stripped, heli-coiled, cleaned thoroughly and put back together with new seals/gaskets.
In fact, have you looked into the cost of a second hand head?

 

I haven't no, good idea. But I fear that all of these heads may suffer from a similar problem.

I agree with what you say engine out would 100% be the best way to do the job, just a bit of a pain since its not long been in.

 

i had same problem, i had a custom made bolt m7x1 as the 6mm hole with knackered threads is the perfect size for retapping. it's worked for over 30thousand miles and was easy to do insitu