On a scale of 0 to really f'd, how bad is it to fix the threads on the aluminum timing cover for the bolt that holds to supercharger belt? will i need a new timing cover or can those be tapped out?
I had the same issue the first time I removed my stock tensioner. When the bolt was about halfway out it became quite a bit harder to turn, so I knew it wasn't going back in without issues, and sure enough it didn't. I lucked out and was able to run a thread chaser through there....went back in with no issues at that point. Did you give that a try already?
So you're saying all the threads stripped out? I wish you the best of luck man. Not much room to maneuver down there, would be difficult to get a drill in there for a helicoil install. Right angle drill might work. Let us know how it goes.I didn't have time to run a thread chaser, but I looked and there aren't really any threads to chase. I'm going to have to helicoil it, which I've never done before, so I guess it is time to learn.
I bought the tensioner used, and asked about the center bolt. The response I got was that the stock bolt would work. Due to the vastly different thicknesses of the tensioners, I looked at it, and debated on whether or not to proceed with using the stock bolt. I decided to go for it, which ended up being the wrong choice. If anyone is wondering, the bolt that you need is an M10x80mm. Not sure of the thread pitch. I am going to just buy a fine thread and coarse thread bolt and figure out which works better with the helicoil.
What tensioner are you using that requires an 80mm length bolt? For reference, my stock bolt is an M10, 1.5 pitch, 65mm length.
That measures out to a tad more than 25mm of thread engagement if you count the little nubby on the end of the bolt.
Never heard of the copper wire method. Very interesting! Glad you got it fixed.
I ordered helicoil, but being that I'm in Germany, it takes an abysmally long time to get anything. I figured that i would try the copper thing, especially with the low torque value, and if it didn't work, the helicoil was on the way. As it is, so far it is holding so i have no issues. The weather has not been coopertive to REALLY get on it, but I plan to soon.I've heard of that method before, but I haven't heard of anybody doing it in ages. I probably would've tried to retap it and/or put an insert in it. Though, I don't really trust inserts in locations that will see more than a few loosening and tightening session. They tend to back out in high torque applications. I wouldn't trust one for more than about 80 ft-lbs.