Stripped trans mount thread (need help)

[D@vid]

Hi guys,

I've hit a snag last night when I was removing the trans from the engine. All went well till I noticed that one of the four bolt was already quite loose...
After removing the trans, I directed my attention to the loose bolt.
And, as I suspected, the thread was stripped...
Can this be properly fixed without disassembling the engine and if so, how???
I've noticed that one of the four bolts already has a time-sert installed, so this probably isn't the first time.
I'm planning to mount the engine using the PEL-TOL-MCDENG engine stand adapter ring. Will a repair withstand the stress of mounting the engine on a stand?

[stownsen914]

You should be able to Timesert or at least helicoil it without disassembling the engine. Just make sure you put it in completely straight or you'll have a heck of a time getting the trans to slide into place.

I understand this is a common failure.

[Dr DIY]

A heli-coil can be easily installed if you can just drill and tap it in place. We use them all the time on aluminum. The existing hole should make it easy to be straight. just drill by hand then chamfer slightly. Don't drill too deep. Measure the depth with a dial caliper or similiar then wrap tape around your drill at the correct depth and go no further. Make sure the tap gets started straight. I often put a tap into a hand drill to get it started. Helps hold it straight. A heli-coil makes the thread stronger than original. Use a proper torque wrench when reassembling. These threads SHOULD not strip out. Poor assembly causes this.

[D@vid]

Thanks for your input guys, that's great news. I must admit, disassembling the engine, is not what I am looking for at the moment.
I've removed the engine just so I can restore the body. The engine is not on my list. Regrettably I don't know very much about the history of the car. I know it was imported from California in the nineties and it seems the former owner(s) took reasonably good care of it. The engine must have been overhauled at some point because I can still see the Loctite engine sealant.
I will however be cleaning the engine en powdercoating the tin en cad plating the metal parts.
I will post my progress soon.
I still have one question, will the repaired threads (helicoil or time-serts) be strong enough to handle the force of the engine stand?

[Ronnie's.930]

Originally Posted by D@vid

I still have one question, will the repaired threads (helicoil or time-serts) be strong enough to handle the force of the engine stand?

Yes, and in fact, it will be much stronger than it originally was (threads cut into aluminum).

[D@vid]

Thanks Ronnie, that's good to hear