Heli-coil or Timecerts, what do you use & why

[s_morrison57]

I'm getting ready for this operation and am more partial to the Timecerts but thought I'd ask the braintrust and get some opinions on the 2 types. Do you use one style over the other for all applications or is 1 better for aluminum/magnesium/cast pieces.
FYI I'm repairing threads in a Hewland side plate in a VW transaxle, it is for 1 of 2 bolts that hold an aluminum block that the rear calipers are bolted to.
Thanks

Finn

[cgarr]

How much material are you going into? If the wall is thin you might only be able to use a helicoil?

[s_morrison57]

At that point the side plate is about 1" thick and the threaded hole is about 3/8" from the edge. I wasn't aware that you needed a bigger threaded hole for the Timecert. Good point Craig - this is exactly the feed back/info I'm looking for.

Finn

[cgarr]

Don't quote me on this, I only use case savers but if you have a 10mm inside thread the time sert is 12mm and the case saver is 14mm outside


Sent from me

[diverdan]

I am not a fan of helicoils. In your application, you might want to consider tapping for studs. I used to be able to even find stepped studs.

[chris_seven]

I believe that both Helicoils and Timeserts use an STI Tap.

The drilling size for these taps are:

M8 x 1.25 Insert - 8.3mm with a max diameter of the tapped hole being 9.8mm

M12 x 1.5 Insert - 10.3mm with the max diameter of the tapped hole being 12.13mm

I would use a coarse thread into both Aluminium of Magnesium.

[Trackrash]

Let me get this straight. This is one of the studs that holds on the diferential cover on a type one transaxle case made of magnesium? And it also supports the brake caliper?

If it were me I would have the hole welded up, drilled deeper, and re-tapped for a longer, deeper stud.

What car is this on and what do the pros do in this situation?

[s_morrison57]

its a Hewland side plate on a VW case on a Formula Ford