Stripped Cam Cap Bolts - Time Sert Question

I've read the prior threads on this and they refer to Time Serts. I'd like to try them but am not sure about the length of the insert. The threaded part of the cam cap bolt is about 19mm. Does the insert have to be that long? The 6mm Time Sert kit comes with 9.4mm inserts - would those be long enough?

If the 9.4mm inserts aren't long enough, does anyone know where I can order just a few inserts at a time? I haven't found anyplace online or locally to buy them individually or a few at a time. The vendor on eBay wants $20-30 for packs of 10.

My understanding of the Time Sert is that it telescopes under installation reducing the length to be able to grip the side of the hole(s) by swelling.

Are you asking about Helicoil threadserts? I have Helicoiled entire heads and they work very well. The threadsert acually gets a little longer when it is threaded into the hole and then you punch the drive tang off and your bolt will thread completly through the insert. The hole is now threaded in stainless steel instead of aluminum. You will not likly ever have a problem with that hole again.

The Time-Sert is something different than a Heli-Coil. Go to this website and check out the information:
www.timesert.com/

the time sert is a much better product they are a solid insert so they wont mess up or pull out with repeated removal of the bolts like a heli-coil can.

I looked at the link site. I see the Timesert is a solid threaded sleeve that is swaged into place when you install the bolt the first time. Interesting, probably better than a Helicoil and I have never had a failure in Beucoupe Helicoils.
Nonetheless to the original post, I would use this repair in a minute as you will end up with much more durable threads than the original tapped cast aluminum.

a bolt needs to be screwed in at least as far as the cross section of the shank,a little bit more wont hurt.a lot more won't help because the cross section is what determines the strength of the bolt.hth

leon holmes

Go with the Time-Sert. Ignore the threaded length of the bolt! What is important is the depth of the threaded hole in the head. The last step in installing a time sert is to run a lubricated "form" tap into the hole. This tap is included in the kit and it serves two functions. It acts as an driving tool and also swells the last thread in the insert out against the oversize threads cut into the damaged hole. As for "where to buy", TimeSert's site should have a distributors listing for your area. The length you ststed is plenty for the application, just make sure you have enough hole to allow the form tap to go through it. Again, their website shows installation requirements, if memory serves. If your handy with hand tools you will love this repair system. (I don't work for TimeSert) Ride safe, Steve

Thanks, Fastenal is listed as a distributor but I had to call three branches before I found one that would admit it. I ordered the M6 kit and some additional 12mm and 17mm inserts. I can't wait to get the head put back together.