Need recommendation for helicoil insert kit

A couple of bolt threads are damaged on my 83 KZ 1100 (cam holders, valve cover, dynamo cover) and I want to repair them with helicoil inserts. Can somebody recommend which kit I should get? I thought I'd ask it here because you guys are familiar with the bolt & pitch sizes for these locations. Thanks!

nob

I just fixed a cam holder thread with a Time Sert. I think all the bolts you're referring to are 6mm. The Time Sert kit, which comes with 5 inserts, is expensive but once you have it, additional inserts only cost $1 to $2 each. You can order them from Fastenal. There are several threads on the forum discussing Time Serts and helicoils, and also some good videos on YouTube showing how to do it.

Another good source for helicoils is McMaster-Carr. They have everything under the sun. www.mcmaster.com/

otakar wrote:

Another good source for helicoils is McMaster-Carr. They have everything under the sun. www.mcmaster.com/

here is the direct link. www.mcmaster.com/#helicoils/=1vsx97

I'm not a big fan of helicoils. I always use time serts. Like mentioned, initial cost is a bit more but otherwise an excellent repair. I have used them on main case bolts too. Never a problem.

I also just used Time-Serts...amazed at the ease of installation and just how quick a first-time user can install. There is a third alternative that Wired George uses but you have to contact him directly ( www.wgcarbs.com ) as I don't recall the name...he likes the alternative as they are better than helicoils but cheaper than Time-Serts.

I also like the Time-serts. Used them to replace my spark plug threads after I found out the PO JB-Welded the plugs into the stripped holes. Worked great!
I wouldn't use Helicoils at all if possible, especially if it's a bolt that gets pulled and reinstalled a lot. Helicoils have a tendency to come back out of the hole with the bolt and fall apart.

Thanks guys.

If I go with McMaster-Carr, is this the right kit to get?
www.mcmaster.com/#91732a948/=1vuyqc

For a Time Sert kit, I'm not sure if I'm looking at the correct kit.

www.fastenal.com/web/products/detail.ex?sku=60538&ucst=t

This is the kit I purchased:

www.toolsqwik.com/storefrontprofiles/Del...c=145637&i=234717501

nob_1100 wrote:

Thanks guys.

If I go with McMaster-Carr, is this the right kit to get?
www.mcmaster.com/#91732a948/=1vuyqc

For a Time Sert kit, I'm not sure if I'm looking at the correct kit.

www.fastenal.com/web/products/detail.ex?sku=60538&ucst=t

Never had a problem with helicoils. When they are used in Aluminum they are better than the oryginal. The McMaster kit is the right one. I use those kits on everything.

arai59 wrote:

I'm not a big fan of helicoils. I always use time serts. Like mentioned, initial cost is a bit more but otherwise an excellent repair. I have used them on main case bolts too. Never a problem.

I have heard that these are the way to go as well. Never had to use them but was told about my busted exhaust stud that if they cut out the stud that they may have to be drilled and redone and that the serts work better because they can be put back in if they come loose whereas the helicoils fall apart like riverroad said.
I am just glad I didn't have to do that with my head. I don't like the idea of helicoils. Riding my brothers ex500 so hard that one of his spark plugs popped out and had to be helicoiled. lol That was a fun little step child to beat on. Riding wheelies around corners not intentionally of course but so light that the wheel just comes up upon hard acceleration and it went around as if I was on two.

I've never done the timeserts, but have done many helicoils on everything from 6mm bolts to spark plugs and have never had a hint of a problem with them.