Help! I just stripped my Intake Manifold/Throttle Body area

[kmoore]

I was out testing for boost leaks and i found one at my intake manifold/throttle body area. It was on just one corner of the throttle body by the UICP, so i just tightened the top left corner bolt that goes into the throttle body (where it was leaking). Well, when i was tightening the bolt, it just gave way and all of the sudden it just became really loose. There were metal shavings/a small spring like metal shaving that came out of the intake manifold/throttle body hole where the bolt went in. So now i don't know what to do. The threads are gone. What do i do now? Do i drill it out and re-thread it? I can't believe i just did this. Please help

 

[Quasimondo]

Go to autozone. Pick up a helicoil kit, size M8 x 1.25. That kit will include the drill bit, tap, and helicoil inserts. Follow the directions to install the insert.

Here are some instructions I just pulled off the web on how to install a helicoil insert.
http://www.atvconnection.com/Depart...il-Installation-Dont-be-caught-threadless.cfm

 

[kmoore]

Thank you so much. You are a God. I still have some questions that weren't explained in the instructions. Or maybe i just don't understand them. But, can i still remove the bolt after i tighten it down with the helicoil kit installed? And also, how does the helicoil stay in place while in the hole? And also, will this kit keep the same size bolt that i used before? Thanks again man- rep points for you if it makes a difference (although from the looks of it you got plenty) HAHAHA

 

[Quasimondo]

Yes, you can remove and tighten down a bolt like it was a normal thread. You can use your original bolt with a heli-coil kit (if you can't use the original bolt, then I screwed up royally and sent you out for the wrong thread size).

 

[kmoore]

No, no, no. I can use the original bolt. The bolt is fine. I am just concerned about when i take the bolt out of the new threaded hole will the bolt also take the helicoil along with it? Thanks again for your help

 

[Auto RS T]

If you do the install properly the helicoil should stay put. Like (Quasimondo) said you can use the bolt normally with the helicoil installed.

When you are done, tighten the TB elbow down in a criss cross pattern.

 

[WeaselHack]

I am just concerned about when i take the bolt out of the new threaded hole will the bolt also take the helicoil along with it? Thanks again for your help

The helicoil will stay in place even when you take out the new the new bolt - it will likely have a stronger hold than before. Helicoils are your friend!

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PS: I could use the rep points I've been stuck in newbie mode for months

 

[kmoore]

Your wish is my command for both of you. Thanks guys for your help

 

[kmoore]

Guys i wish i could give you guys some rep points but it doesn't show the little white looking reputation icon thing for either of you guys. I don't know whats up. Sorry

 

[TC Mueller]

quick heelicoil question. 3 bolts that hold my valve cover on are striped. do you think it would be safe to use the helicoil (which i already have) or just go and tap it out to a 7x1 thread and get some new bolts from like a hardware store?

 

[Auto RS T]

quick heelicoil question. 3 bolts that hold my valve cover on are striped. do you think it would be safe to use the helicoil (which i already have) or just go and tap it out to a 7x1 thread and get some new bolts from like a hardware store?

I personally would do the helicoils. If the bolts are damaged get new ones.

 

[WeaselHack]

quick heelicoil question. 3 bolts that hold my valve cover on are striped. do you think it would be safe to use the helicoil (which i already have) or just go and tap it out to a 7x1 thread and get some new bolts from like a hardware store?

Which bolts are striped? Personally I would helicoil it rather than drilling and taping a larger bolt. You always want to be careful with when dealing with the heads on our cars - they are aluminum and as you know first hand are very soft and susceptible to striping.

 

[kmoore]

Guys real quick question. I just about to do this and i am trying to get the throttle body out of the way. Can i un-plug that electric plug that plugs into the throttle body? If so how can i do this? Thanks a lot

 

[WeaselHack]

There are 2 plugs, one is for the ISC (Idle Speed Controller) and the other is for the TPS (throttle position sensor) and yes you can disconnect them both. It may be difficult to see but there is a clip on one side which sercures the plugs to the sensors - simply press it down and pull the plug off.

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[kmoore]

Thank you so much for the quick response

 

[WeaselHack]

EDIT: There may be a metal clip holding the plug on for the TPS - If so, remove this metal clip and the plug will come right off.

Just be careful removing the clip - they like to fly and hit you in the eyes. I think this is how I lost mine. I was too afraid to open my eyes while popping it off and it few across the garage and landed who knows where