Best thread restoration kit?

[sigchuck]

Hi guys, I'm in the process of installing headers and wanted to "restore" the threads in my exhaust studs. They're in good shape overall (though I had one time sert back out) but do have a bit of probably typical corrosion. I don't really want to risk a broken one with removal and replacement.

I know there are kits on amazon, but does anyone have any recommendations based on actual experience? As always, thanks for the help!

[KTL]

I can't claim my choice is "the best" but I know it works well. I have a handful of these JAWCO brand (made in USA? dam straight....) thread repair dies in our typical metric sizes on the 911. They're tiny size for getting in tight spaces.

https://www.mcmaster.com/2667A453/

https://www.mcmaster.com/catalog/128/2815/

Use some lubricant like penetrating oil (Gibbs, Kroil, 50/50 mix of auto trans fluid & acetone, etc.) to help dissolve the rust and it also reduces wear on your tool. You can use a 14mm deep socket to run the tool up and down the threads. Then clean with solvent and put some high temp anti seize paste on the studs.

[dlagerstrom]

Same here, not claiming these are the best. The set I bought years ago was Snap-On, apparently rebranded.

Here is what I found that is the exact thing. Really has been a great set for working on the 911.

https://www.denniskirk.com/lang-tools/15-piece-metric-thread-restorer-set-2584.p283885.prd/283885.sku?gclid=CjwKCAiAyPyQBhB6EiwAFUuakl01MOljm oof6V16nxEvkt8NkmRSUF1bJ_EYQG4pyd-j2eMOJwMCdBoChzgQAvD_BwE

[KTL]

Originally Posted by dlagerstrom

Same here, not claiming these are the best. The set I bought years ago was Snap-On, apparently rebranded.

Here is what I found that is the exact thing. Really has been a great set for working on the 911.

https://www.denniskirk.com/lang-tools/15-piece-metric-thread-restorer-set-2584.p283885.prd/283885.sku?gclid=CjwKCAiAyPyQBhB6EiwAFUuakl01MOljm oof6V16nxEvkt8NkmRSUF1bJ_EYQG4pyd-j2eMOJwMCdBoChzgQAvD_BwE

That is a NICE share by Dave. You get the male and female thread fixers AND a thread repairing file. I've got one of those files and it has saved me some grief more than once. The only thing that set is missing is M14 x 1.5 for our 911s. Still a GREAT set to have for only $40!

[Locker537]

The Lang set is the go to setup. You can get metric, SAE, or a master set with both. Those sets are rebranded for other tool brands.

[OldSpool87]

I just used the Lang tool. Strangely, the threads in my Ranger pick up bed are metric and had been covered in bed liner spray at the factory. I needed to clean them for an accessory installation. Worked great.

[sigchuck]

Guys, thanks so much for the quick replies! Very much appreciated!

[Superman]

I'd be very careful messing with those studs. I am not suggesting you do nothing. Indeed, I am suggesting you take great care and NOT do nothing. My recommendation is to spend some time (days) squirting penetrant on the nuts and related areas. My favorite is Maltby's. John Walker likes it too. It looks like this:



At their website, they want $75 for a can, which is ridiculous.

maltbystore.com

Insanely ridiculous. You can surely find it much cheaper. I have found it at places where mechanics work on diesel stuff. It really is the best, but just hard to find.

After a good soaking, I would then HEAT the nut. This will cause it to expand and become easier to remove. Oxy/acetylene is the kind of heat to use. Or MAPP. Get the nut cherry red, then remove it.

Once the nuts are off, and the old exhaust, then I would go after those threads with a wire brush until they are shiny. Not sure I would do much more than that but if you want to carefully chase the threads with the proper thread-chasing style of die, then go ahead but be careful. If you break a stud, then you will be drilling it out. You will be drilling a hard steel stud out of soft aluminum.

Penetrant > Heat > Removal while cherry red > wire brush the threads

[donbecker1234]

This one works great for me:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003QHQEPE/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[49willard]

I just r&r'd my exhaust studs. I used penetrant first 50/50 ATF/acetone which freed up over 1/2 of them and then heat/oxy acet. I double nutted and working carefully tighten and loosen multiple times. In the end I had to use heat on just one stud. If you get to that point ensure that the valve is closed where you use heat on the aluminum. In the end I did not break a stud and replaced all.

[sigchuck]

Thanks again, guys - the studs are actually in pretty good shape - just some corrosion. None are broken and the nuts came off relatively easily - unfortunately just had the one that backed out a time sert.

I did probably jump the gun on the thread cleaning die - I ordered a kit but will try the penetrating oil/wire wheel first.

[David Inc.]

Once the studs are brushed and clean of rust what's the best rust prevention to apply? How does one keep that clean once they start collecting road grime and water?

[motorstereo]

donbecker-- can you give me the name or description of the amazon kit? Link is no good. I'm looking for a set with the M8-1.0 , which I'm having a hard time finding! I'd like to clean up the valve adjustment screw threads.

Originally Posted by donbecker1234

This one works great for me:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003QHQEPE/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[Locker537]

Originally Posted by motorstereo

donbecker-- can you give me the name or description of the amazon kit? Link is no good. I'm looking for a set with the M8-1.0 , which I'm having a hard time finding! I'd like to clean up the valve adjustment screw threads.

Hmm, seems like most the kits skip M8x1.0.

McMaster has a kit that says it includes M8x1.0.

https://www.mcmaster.com/25325A14/

[Gretz]

That 53-piece McMaster set for $114 looks great. Has most of what we need.