Engine bay oil spray

[Miguel Antonetti]

While checking the engine, after a spirited drive, I noticed oil spray over the passenger side under the carburators... you know the rest... the head hole thread for the bolt that holds the engine sheet metal stripped... I wasn't aware there so much pressure in there to push/spray the oil out like that.
I need advise on how to tackle this... I'm thinking drill and tap, is that the simplest way, engine down again? I'm getting old...

[David Jones]

Clean the hell out of it with carb cleaner or acetone or brake cleaner with the valve cover off and a rag stuffed up there to catch dirt. Smear the 6mm screw with JB weld and screw it in. Leave it overnight then deal with it next time the engine comes out.

[Ashley James]

Helicoil?

[WilliamVaughan]

Are you sure the threads in the head are really stripped? Perhaps that is an assumption. Realize that those screws can back out all by themselves due to vibration. Spring type lock washers will stop them from going their merry way.

[David Jones]

Ashley, a helicoil or timesert would be the ideal answer but because of the position it would require the engine to be taken out and that is a lot of work for a fix that can be band aided with no consequence until the engine has to come out for a good reason.

[Vic Skirmants]

Ashley, a helicoil or timesert would be the ideal answer but because of the position it would require the engine to be taken out and that is a lot of work for a fix that can be band aided with no consequence until the engine has to come out for a good reason.

+1

[Jim Karaba]

How about a longer bolt with a nut placed on the inside until the engine can come out to correct properly

[Mike Wilson]

Since this screw also hold the engine side tin, locking it in place with JB Weld might not be a good idea especially when you need to disassemble. A helicoil sound like the best solution.

Mike

[Mike Wilson]

Oh yah, and don't use a self-tapping screw when attaching to the engine.

Mike

[Miguel Antonetti]

Many thanks for the comments and recommendations... Based on the suggestions, I decided to go with the JBW option - I used the Marine Type, did it last Saturday letting it cure till this morning, just came from a 30 miles spirited drive and everything is dry back in there... keep fingers crossed

[Jules Dielen]

good luck getting it out. JBW is tough stuff. Ask me how i know.

[Dick Weiss]

Use a resistant on the threads before inserting the screws if using JB weld as the flat washer is the same on all the rest of the screws.
I use a good RTV sealant on the screws and washers which hold the horizontal side plates to the top of the head.

Dick