HELP!!!!!! Camshaft bolt hole stripped

General notes about tapping: when tapping the new hole be sure to never turn the tap forward more then about 1-2 turns without reversing the tap a little bit first (maybe 1/4 turn). Reversing the direction of the tap a little after a forward turn or two will clear the cut metal for you and keep your threads clean. Be patient. Remember, taps are not like drill bits, they are not self clearing. If you turn the tap over and over again you risk getting some of the cut metal into the new threads the tap is cutting and cause the threads to cross -- then you are right back to where you started. For this reason use oil during the cut. I would worry about using grease, because of the high viscosity trapping bits of metal; which, again, may cause cross threading.

When I have to do a helicoil, I use knife sharpening oil on the tap. It is kinda of a cutting oil. I would like a source for longer helicoils but have not found any yet......the 1/4 inch inserts that come in most kits are marginal, but work ok....chris3