Top generator bolt hole stripped out

[Joe M.]

The bolt hole that receives the bolt that holds the long slender brace to the block is stripped out. I had to put a nut on th end of the bolt. What is the best way to fix this without purchasing a new generator? Can I purchase just the end plate?

[Roger W.]

Re: Top generator bolt hole stripped out

How about a helicoil thread repair kit. Most any auto parts store carries them. All that you need to know is the bolt size and thread.

[Thomas H.]

Re: Top generator bolt hole stripped out

Joe,

You could look for a donor generator of the same vintage and swap the end cover, but I'd be tempted to try the helicoil first as Roger suggested.

If you have a local generater / alternator rebuilder, might be worth a phone call to them for suggestions also. I'm sure they have run across this in the past.

Tom

[Robert S.]

Re: Top generator bolt hole stripped out

This happened to my 60 and the heli-coil works well.

[Tom P.]

Re: Top generator bolt hole stripped out

If it were mine, I would not hesitate for 2sec to Helicoil it. Once the bolt is installed, the Helicoil is NOT detectable. And it will be a whole lot stronger than ever before!

[Joe M.]

Re: Top generator bolt hole stripped out

Thanks to all for the info; helicoil is shall be!

[Joe L.]

Re: Top generator bolt hole stripped out

Thanks to all for the info; helicoil is shall be!

Joe------


Just make sure that when you drill out the existing threads and tap the hole for the Helicoil that you drill and tap STRAIGHT.

[Bill M.]

Re: Top generator bolt hole stripped out

I didn't strip the threads on my '59, but I did install a longer bolt and a nut on the back side so I could get more clamp load without stripping it.

[Erich C.]

Re: Top generator bolt hole stripped out

The Helicoils work very well. If you run into a problem installing it you could also use a thread repair insert like these:

http://www.mcmaster.com/#thread-repair-inserts/=ez1885

Erich