Installing my generator and found the bolt hole in the generator housing for the long mounting bolt is stripped. All was fine when I test fitted the genny earlier, but I guess I must've used too much arm during what was to be the "final" install.
Helicoil repair? If so, can anyone advise on which one I need? Other options? Drill and tap for a larger bolt? Thanks.
Get a different one, I have some.
The standard size for the mounting bolt holes are 3/8-16. If you buy the Helicoil pieces individually, you'll need a 25/64" drill bit, 6CPS Helicoil tap and a R1186-6 insert. The installation tool, if you want it, is 2288-6.
Forgot to mention: Remove the gear and front cover to drill and tap. You don't want to get any chips inside the generator. The cover is cast iron.
Thanks for the info, Ken. I'm draining the oil now, and will be removing the generator (again) for the repair.
Andy - "different one"? Do you mean another generator, or another generator front plate? I'm thinking a new/used generator may be a little bit more than I'd like to spend if I don't have to. Please let me know, thanks!
If you are talking about the log top bolt that also hold the timer in place, I just did one. Since the threads are in the front generator housing I just tapped the hole (generator removed) without drilling, to a 10MM coarse and bought a 6 1/2" long bolt (I think that was the length), from the Auto Parts store and used that instead. The metric bolt goes through all the original holes without drilling them larger and the head looks the same as the other mounting bolts. The 10mm thread is one step up and be careful not to over torque these bolts because they are in thin cast iron. Worked great as the new bolt was able to go deeper into the original casting which helped and I already had the 10mm tap. One last thing was that the threads in the generator were still visable but enlarged enough to make the original bolt slip when it was tightened.
Thanks, Fred, that sounds like my situation exactly. I'd want to be sure the new 10mm bolt doesn't go too far into the casing; if it does, it can run into the wiring inside the genny and cause problems, correct?
Ken - all my generator heads have 3/8-24 thread.
Dave, you don't need to drain the oil. I have a front plate if you need one but heli-coils will work fine.
Take it off and braze it closed. Re drill and tap to 3/8-24. If confidence is low, drill it OS for 7/16 NF.
The drill, tap and insert are gonna cost you way more than a burnt up core generator. $10 at swap meets
Dave,
I would have a front plate for you, if you want. But, it sounds like Fred's idea maybe cheaper and quicker.
Ops, yep 3/8-24. Just went out and looked at a box of them. That changes all the Helicoil numbers. Sorry.