Hi,

I was fitting a timing belt to my 1998 UK Turbo, and when I was re-fitting one of the "idlers" (the bottom "toothed" one as it happens), the bolt just kept turning and turning.

I took it out and discovered, .. the thread in the actual block is mangled !.

The bolt is fine, but .. of course .. not sure what to do now, as the idler has to be tight, and is fundamental to the operation of the timing belt and thus engine.

I do have a tap and die set, but to be honest, not exactly sure what that would do ? .. some of the mangled aluminium came out on the bolt, so there is less block material to "play with".

Any help would be greatly appreciated .. Thanks - Mark

 

For anyone who is interested, there is a thread repair kit calle Heli-coil (also one made by WTI fasteners in Derby), which seems like it will work.

 

Helicoils are good but you need to drill and tap a stated size for their installation.
If you simply drill and re-tap the block, use a course thread in alloy.
JohnD

 

I'd speak to API David first..!

 

Glad to help if we can. We can easily rethread that - the fly in the ointment may be where the car is. AND can it be done with the engine in the car??

If the car was here then easy, peasy to decide, but with the belt off and an unmoveable car it ain't going to be quite so easy.

You may need to persuade a local engineer to come to you to do the helicoil job OR take the engine out and take it to him........ In situ you're probably looking at £30 - £40 for the helicoil job.

Tough luck mate SH*t happens as they say. Call me for advice if you need.

David APi Engines / APi Impreza
www.apiengines.com