Where to buy Metric Blues?

[e30trooper]

6 year bump matt?

[jlevie]

Sorry to thread jack but this just happened to me on sunday...Was wondering if a helicoil or thread insert would work and where to get one specific for metric blues. tried looking online but i must be doing it wrong.

The usual cause of thread failure in the block is failing to chase the threads. But oil or trash in the threads can also be a problem.

It goes like:

Using a thread chasing tap (not a standard thread cutting tap), chase the threads.

Wash the threads with mineral spirits or carb cleaner and blow out the liquid with an air gun. Repeat at least once.

Coat the threads on the bolts with light oil, 3-in-1 or ATF works.

[mcr_driver]

Could be a 20 year bump I wouldn't care if it helps me get back on the road. This was the first answer google popped up with.

What options do I have If I don't have access to a thread chasing tap? Back to the previous idea?

[jlevie]

What options do I have If I don't have access to a thread chasing tap? Back to the previous idea?

Buy one. There is really no substitute.

[mcr_driver]

Not really an option unfortunately, I have no budget for that kind of stuff. Cus I'd need the bit and a electric/air drill which I don't have at this time.

[jlevie]

You don't turn a tap with a power tool, you use a tap wrench and turn it by hand. You should be able to get the tap and a wrench for less than $20. Or, which makes more sense, get the 48 piece metric thread chasing set from Sears for about $70. If you work on E30's you'll eventually use most of th epeices in the set.

Whether you use torque or torque to yield head bolts the friction of the threads will affect the clamping force on the head gasket. The torque values used assume clean, lightly oiled, threads.

[AndrewBird]

In a pinch, a wrench the same size as the square on the tap can also be used to turn it, or even a pair of vise grips.

[mcr_driver]

So I bought a helicoil thread repair kit that came with a tap however looking up all of the DIY's and youtube video's it says to break the tang at the end how do I get it out of the hole when I do that? Sorry for a stupid question just never done this before and want to make sure I get this right.