Helicoil Kits

[JonnyB]

Any one ever done there own Helicoil-ing? I've got a couple of sparkplug holes that need doing, is it worth buying a kit and DIY or is a job for the experts?

[SteveD CB500K0]

I assume that you use the word "helicoil" as a generic description.

The local independent who rebuilt my Sprint engine explained the different types of "insert". He didn't think much of "helicoil" - don't know what he ended up using, except that it was the type of insert that doesn't require the tang breaking off.

I'd use a professional - for two plugs it can't cost too much.

[JonnyB]

Generic term, yes like I only ever use a "Hover" ^tm.  I've had a quote from a shop that want to charge

[Bryanj]

It can be done "in situ" but its at the owners risk!!!

(1) grease appropriate drill well and drill out old thread slowly so swarf gets stuck in drill

(2) Likewise with tap

(3) fit insert

(4) kick over fast, repeatedly to remove any recaltrant swarf (you hope)


Worst case scenario you have to remove head to clean out bits from under valves----only had to do this once in the 10 ish years doing the job.

Cost---- 2 inserts will cost about same as buying kit NORMALY

[JonnyB]

I've rememberd where I had it done last, it was a place in Lincoln called RWH Motorcycles, I'm going to pop over in my Lunch today, I'll let you know.

[JonnyB]

Well, been to RWH and they don't do it "in Situ", he rekons only 1 in 10 are ever succesfull any nearly all end up with swarf in the valve seats.

[Bryanj]

Its not difficult if you get the complete kit with insertion tool not just the tap and coils, you will also need a drill of an "odd" but getable size. and if you are going to buy the kit i would try it in situ first, if you have to take the head off to clean it what have you lost.

Welcome to ring me any evening Sunday to Thursday after 8pm on 0XXXXXXXX3 to talk it through and ring from a landline and i will call you back

[JonnyB]

I may just do that, I'm going to be V.busy this weekend I'm collecting A GS450S and a pre-superdream 250 so loads of tinker time.

I removed your telephone number, best to PM stuff like that

[Bryanj]

No problem mate, is that just a wet dream 250 or the old G5, worked on lots of those too!

GS450? import or UK i did an import for a mate last year and had a swine getting parts.

No problem with number as long as people stick to times quoted i dont care as i am an LGV driver and work nights (with bluetooth earpiece)

[JonnyB]

Not sure which 250,it's pre dream and the GS is the import, but hey so is my nighthawk I like a challange 

[Bryanj]

Get Suzuki bits from www.cmsnl.com and look up the 500 of the right year, all the same except bores.

Suzuki:-Watch for siezed brakes and swing arm bushes/brearings (no greasers and kin expensive!!).

Honda:-If its pre dream it has to be G5---Disc brake, strip engine in frame but problematic camchain tensioner OR K4--drum brake, engine out to do anything.

I have some books for the G5 somewhere but no promises

[Bryanj]

to give you some idea of prices look at:-

http://www.ar-sheldon.com/acatalog/Helicoil_Metric_thread_repairkits_Kits.html#a5403_2d8

and

http://www.engineering-supplies.com/show.asp?id=5382.

Dont forget that will only do the M12x1.25 (NGK "D") sparkplugs

[Bryanj]

Now if this is a 750 and you have the head off those 6mm threaded studs/bolts holding the cam towers strip out regularly and better than helicoil is "keensert" which you can find at:-

http://www.specialty-fasteners.co.uk/category_sublist.php?catid=143&colorid=2&procatid=144&gclid=CJbwg_OntpgCFZiT3wodAXcFZg

and look at the catalogue. They do do the spark plug one but you have to tap out to M16 and i dont know if the head has enough meat for that!!

[JonnyB]

Thanks Bryan, I'll do some research...the helicoil job is on the wifes CB650 nighthawk, I'll give anything a go, my only concern is with it being the US Import parts are a bitch to get if I balls it up


the CB250 has a front disc and rear drum and only need an decent exhaust to finish it
CB250-6006435
CB250E-6051095

And the gs450 needs the starter motor sorting.

[SteveD CB500K0]

csmnl has that as a G5

CB250-6001604~CB250G-6522848

http://www.cmsnl.com/honda-cb250g5_model8235/