Whoops, I stripped the front centerbolt on a new crank somehow... Is it possible to use a helicoil on this? I have never used one before. Any advice would be appreciated :(

Not an engine expert but have damaged the outer threads on a crank before. You stripped them all the way down? On mine I ran a tap in and cleaned up the leading threads and used a new bolt.

On my 396 I drilled out & tapped to the next bigger
size. A heli coil would probably be the best if the new bolt doesn't hold.

Heli-coil works great for that. I'd do that a long time before I'd alter the bolt size in the crank..... stick with stock size hardware always, except as a last resort. Saves ALOT of trouble on down the road.

You weren't by any chance using that bolt to turn the motor were you? Seems like people on the thirdgen boards refuse to believe that such a thing could ever happen, especially to them, or when they give advice to do that.

IMO...if you're gonna drill/tap the crank larger anyhow for a heli-coil why not just go up one bolt size?? :confused:
Assuming you're at 1/2-20 now, a 9/16-18 grade 5 or 8 bolt will do just fine and can be found at most well stocked hardware stores.
I've done it before. :(
Don't get me wrong...I usually highly recommend heli-coils. But in this case, the additional hassle (and expense) is not necessary.

I think my crank was using 7/16-20... I stripped it an inch or so into the crank. Ouch.

Was I not supposed to use it to turn the crank?

Sorry, first timer here.

Originally posted by gasgzlr:
I think my crank was using 7/16-20... I stripped it an inch or so into the crank. Ouch.
Was I not supposed to use it to turn the crank?
Sorry, first timer here. You're correct...I was thinking BBC. graemlins/clonk.gif
Same advise...tap it for 1/2-20.
Don't sweat it. You're not the first to turn an engine over using the crank bolt. :D
I just noticed you're local to me...if you need a hand or even just the tap, drop me an email. graemlins/waving.gif

Just because I tend to be a little graemlins/clonk.gif , what exactly are you supposed to use to turn the crank, if not that bolt???

That bolt is used to hold on the balancer... pre 68 engines didn't use the bolt and the cranks weren't even threaded.

Use a crankshaft turner to turn the crank over. There are lots of different ones made. Or use a flywheel turner to turn the engine.

Here's the tools used to turn the crankshaft.

With balancer on:
http://www.eastwood.com/shopping/product/detailmain.jsp?itemType=PRODUCT&RS=1&itemID=2330&keyword=Crankshaft+EZ+Spin

With balancer off:
http://www.jegs.com/cgi-bin/ncommerce3/ProductDisplay?prrfnbr=3326&prmenbr=361

At flywheel/flexplate:
http://www.etoolcart.com/browseproducts/Flywheel-Turner--LIS23800.html

Or make one like I did. Take a piece of flat 1/8" or 3/16" plate and lay out your pulley holes on it using your crank pulley. Drill them a little larger to make it easier to get lined up. Cut it hexagon or round or triangle shaped... whatever is easiest for the tools you have. Now weld an old 1/2" drive socket in the middle. Works like a champ and doesn't cost much of anything.

The biggest PITA with this deal is you have to loosen your belts and pull your crank pulley to use this type of tool. (Eastwood tool requires the same work). Sure wish there was a better way but I haven't found it.

Troy.