M42 Oil Pan Bolt Tapping - Help!

[Spiff325iS]

I just want verification that what I'm about to do isn't retarded.

Just replaced the oil pan gasket and quite a few of the bolts aren't torquing down very well. After some research it sounds like there is a lot of built up gunk or something leftover from previous bolts, so the recommendation is to TAP the threading with an M6x1 tapping bolt and then try again.

Is this correct? I may also order new bolts as well.

In conclusion, if I use this to tap the pan:

http://www.amazon.com/Uxcell-a120912...Q2TMK9BFPK445R

And replace the bolts with this:

http://www.eeuroparts.com/Parts/57095/Hex-Bolt-w-Washer-M6x18-11131247069/

Should be good?

I just want to make sure that what I'm tapping it with isn't going to then require a larger bolt size around the edge of the pan.

Any other solutions?

[Spiff325iS]

I'm also considering ordering this HeliCoil kit to redo some of the bolts:
http://www.amazon.com/Helicoil-5546-...=heli+coil+kit

[Gerta]

I chased the bolt holes and then used a helicoil kit for three of them. I also had new pan bolts. It worked out really well, so I think you are on the right track.

[AndrewBird]

I personally would just heli-coil all of them and never have to worry about it again.

Keep in mind, if the threads are stripped out, running a tap into the hole isn't going to do anything. If the threads are gone, they are gone. At that point you either need to helicoli them or drill and tap them bigger. Helicoil is the better option in my opinion. Threads in cast aluminum are always going to be weaker than a steel threaded insert.

[Spiff325iS]

Got it, thanks!

Ordered a helicoil kit from Amazon and bolts from FCPEuro.

Thanks everyone- I will report back.