Source for doing thread repair

[Ian McKechnie]

Does anyone have a good source for getting threads repaired? On removing the engine/transmission from our EuroSwift FC, we discovered that the thread in the bell housing into which a steel insert was threaded is stripped so that the insert will not hold. As this is a key area in securing the engine/transmission unit to the chassis, we need to have the bell housing repaired and a new steel insert assembled. We also have a spare front upright that needs the stripped bottom thread fixed. We are not sure if the parts are aluminum or magnesium.

[Bob Coury]

Were they heli-coils or steel locking inserts such as keenserts? If they were heli-coils, you will want to remove and use the steel locking inserts. They have "keys" that you knock down with a special tool that lock them in place. I am hoping to get my SE-3 done this year. There are a few threads (no pun intended) discussing these inserts on this site.

[Ian McKechnie]

It is a solid steel insert, not a helicoil. The hole threads as well as the threads on the OD of the insert are completely gone. We had some trouble in getting the bolt out as the insert also turned and wanted to come out with the bolt. We had to pull the chassis rear end out a little and wedge a screwdriver against the insert so that it would not turn with the bolt. After removal of the bolt and pulling the engine/transmission unit away from the chassis, the insert essentially fell out. The insert seems to have had four keyways machined on the OD.

[Roger Eade]

As they are inserts, it will be doubtful that you can go another size over, so you will have to get the hole TIG ed up and redrilled and tapped out, I would use a heicoil in doing this, it will make for a very strong repair, same with your upright, provided that there is not to much heat going on in the welding, you wont have to heat treat the alloy.
Roger

[Charles Warner]

You should not have to weld it up. Go to www.timesert.com and check out the oversized repair kits. As long as you have the area available these will work just fine.

[Mark H]

I saw this same thing on another Swift last year and Bill at 10tenths said that the only way to fix it (he has done it before) is with the timesert mentioned above.

If you cant do it give the guys at 10/ tenths a call, they are a sponser of this forum.

[R. Pare]

Depending on just how much meat is left around the hole, you can always drill & tap to a standard bolt size, and make a new insert by drilling & tapping out the threads of a corresponding bolt. Then just cut the new "insert" to length and screw into the bellhousing using either red loctite or epoxy. Have had to do this a ton of times & it has worked well so far.