Blog
Repairing Stripped Primary Cover Drain Plug Threads on a 2006 Harley-Davidson FLHTC
One of the more common issues encountered during primary service on Harley Touring models like the 2006 FLHTC is a stripped drain plug thread in the primary cover. Over time, repeated removal and installation — especially if the plug was over-torqued or cross-threaded — can damage the soft aluminum threads.Most Common Repair: 1/2"-20 Thread InsertsFor the vast majority of Harley primary cover drain plug repairs (including most FLHTC, FLHR, FLHT, and similar models), the 1/2"-20 threa
…
26th Jun 2026
Stripped Chevy Starter Bolt Threads?
A recent customer reached out after installing a rebuilt engine from Jasper Engines in a Chevy. The issue? Stripped threads in the block for the starter bolts—specifically the 3/8-16 size. It's a frustrating spot to find yourself in, especially on a fresh rebuild, where the threads start about 1/2" down into a blind hole with roughly 15/16" of usable thread depth. The starter needs solid hold to avoid any movement or chomping on the flywheel during cranking.
Hello, I'm Dennis Bandy, owner
…
19th Feb 2026
Head Bolt Stripping in Kia and Hyundai Engines: How Common Is It and How to Fix It
A customer recently emailed us with a great question: “What percent of Kia vehicles would you say have the head bolt stripped?” It’s a common concern for owners of Kia and Hyundai vehicles with 3.3L, 3.5L, and 3.8L engines and it’s no surprise why. Stripped head bolt threads in aluminum engines are a known headache, especially for models using M11x1.5 head bolts (like those compatible with Fel-Pro ES72366 head bolt). Let me provide a little more info on the issue and I'll
…
9th Jul 2025
Pentastar 3.6L Head Bolt Thread Repair on a Budget
We recently received a great question from Michael, a DIYer facing a common problem of stripped threads for head bolts: repairing He's got two stripped holes for cylinder head bolts on a Pentastar 3.6L engine. His ask? “Would I be able to rent a Time-Sert 8313 repair kit or pay a usage fee? It’s a lot for me to afford for a one-time use (at least I pray I never have to do it again). Any help would be so greatly appreciated, thank you.” Michael’s situation is one many gear
…
19th Mar 2025
Save A Thread Blown Out! Larger Thread Repair Needed
When a Save-A-Thread insert fails, it can leave the spark plug hole in your engine significantly larger than its original size. This scenario often requires more robust repair solutions, such as the 389XL Triple Oversize Thread Repair Kit. Here's a comprehensive guide on how to tackle this issue effectively.Understanding the Problem
Spark plug threads can become damaged or stripped due to various reasons, including cross-threading, over-tightening, or the failure of previous repair attempts
…
8th Jan 2025