2 stripped Clutch cover bolts. Can I switch to 8mm?

[kicker19]

So, while doing my water pump, I put the clutch cover back on and tightening the bolts I found two stripped out. Can I drill and tap them for 8mm bolts? If not, would going to 7mm even make a difference?

Thanks,
Steve

[sblt500r]

you can use 1/4 20 bolt. just run the tap right in the stripped hole. you'll need to get an allen bolt, as a standard hex head will hit the case.

[kicker19]

Cool...Only problem is then I have to buy a new tap. I have the 7 & 8mm taps here.

Plus 6mm is basically a 1/4"...Is it the pitch change from 6mm to 1/4" that makes it work? Just curious

[kicker19]

Thanks for the advice. I did it and it worked great!

[gogoquadzilla]

had the same problem but i miraculously drilled it out without touching the threads. i feel for ya man. i spent like 2 hrs on just that 1 bolt

[sblt500r]

a 1/4 20 is a bit bigger than a m6. the stripped hole pretty much equals the tap drill size for the 1/4 20. so it works!

[Helstar]

you could of just helicoiled the hole and went back with a new 6mm bolt. they sell these at any auto parts store. drill out the threads with the right bit and tap and install the new threads and wahloa. new threaded hole.

[mgty3whlr]

Originally Posted by Helstar

you could of just helicoiled the hole and went back with a new 6mm bolt. they sell these at any auto parts store. drill out the threads with the right bit and tap and install the new threads and wahloa. new threaded hole.

I agree,
Just get a helicoil set.
It comes with the drill bit, oversized tap and the helicolls.
That way, when you tear the motor down, you won't get confused as to what bolt goes where.
The helicoil kits are really nice because, when you install the steel threads into the aluminum cases, you're stripped bolt holes will be a thing of the past!

[dookieshoot-rider]

Another vote for helicoils, I bought the set for the same reason, 25 bucks and it came with everything. I had several that were bad, many of which were fromm the clutch cover side as well. Some were previous helicoils that went south. The best part is you just run the tap bach in there, clean it out, send in the new helicoil and BAM!!! Good to go! Haven't had a leak or problem yet!!!

[mgty3whlr]

Also, when you have it all tapped out for the helicoil, put a little bit of loctite on the coil before installing it and the threaded insert will not pull out at all.