16.5hp Briggs thread fix?

[dgianino]

Greetings all,
I have a 16.5hp single cylinder OHV Briggs engine. I accidentally stripped 2 of the threads when reattaching the oil pan to the rest of the block (all aluminum). One of the threads has cracked, exposing the bolt to the engine's oil, and essentially a hole in the compression. Is there a fix for this? There is about a half inch of thread space left for a repair insert. I was thinking, just use the repair insert and RTV around the bolt and torque it down to spec. Any other, more better, ideas? I can't just replace the block.
Thanks a bunch,
Dom

 

[bertsmobile1]

It is a weld , drill then retap fix
Nothing else will hold for very long .

 

[Bertrrr]

Lock tite makes a thread insert , it comes with the tap and drill bit - it's a touchy situation there b/c you have very little to work with - if your careful and drill and tap , insert the thread insert very carefully then use JB weld or something like it ( Belzona ) comes to mind if you can find it- build everything up around the newly installed thread insert and let sit for 24 hrs. You may have a shot at saving this thing. Do not tighten more than necessary - don't know if it will hold torque but shouldn't take much to snug it up .
Good luck with this guy.

 

[Rivets]

I agree with Bert, only real fix is to weld and retap. Anything else won’t last long and not worth the effort or expense.

 

[StarTech]

JB Weld will not hold at 18.34 ft-lbs. Take it to a local welder and see if he can TIG weld the area up so you can drill and re-tap it. Otherwise you are wasting your time and money. Besides you are going about 5/8 of threads or better for a good hold at 18.34 ft-lbs