TR2/3/3A stripped bolt TR3

[tinman58]

since I have the time before the frame is attached to the body I have done some maintance . A new oil pan gasket was in order so I pulled the pan cleaned every thing purchased new bolts and washers and as I was torquing the last bolt, and it never torqued!! The thread is stripped and of course it is the one ine the front center on the main bearing block. Can I put a heila coil in? Has any body have any experiance in this problem?
Dan

 

[TR3driver]

Yup. Not as common as with the TR6, but those two front holes are into an aluminum filler block and they won't take the abuse that good old cast iron will.

Since the other end of that hole communicates with the crankcase, I think you're going to want to remove the filler block from the engine first. Beyond that, the only trick is getting the drill square to the block when drilling. Might be worth taking it to a shop, if you don't have a press or a suitable Helicoil kit.

 

[KVH]

I sheared one off in that front block piece back in 1971!

Back then, my girl friend's uncle (later to become my wife's uncle), drilled a small hole in the dead center of that bolt and used a small gauge "easy out" to extract it.

In your case, I understand the threads in the block insert are actually stripped. I agree with Randall, and I'd probably remove that aluminum piece and take it to a shop--unless I could be assured of a dead-on aim with a drill press and then use a heli-coil as you indicate.

Good luck.

 

[KVH]

https://www.74tr6.com/engineassembly.htm

This site includes pics of the Brookline TR show and tells of new products for the block insert, or "saddle block", including neoprene sealing pieces--for a TR6 but may be of interest.

 

[DNK]

Do they have one for the 3?

 

[Got_All_4]

I'd try the easy out method first. Use a left hand drill bit to drill your pilot hole and you might get lucky and come out while your drilling. If not lightly tape in the easy out and add a little heat to the aluminum piece. It will help expand the aluminum a bit and might be that extra bit of tolerance you need to get it out. Just like putting a wrist pin in a piston. If it wont press in just add a little heat and you can push it in with your fingers.