Blog
Fixing Head Bolt Thread Failure in Your GM Vehicle with GEN V Engine
General Motors (GM) has produced several vehicles with a GEN V 5.3L or 6.2L engine, including the Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Tahoe, and Suburban, the GMC Sierra 1500 and Yukon, the Chevrolet Camaro SS, the Chevrolet Corvette Stingray (C7 and C8), and the Cadillac Escalade, CT4-V Blackwing, and CT5-V Blackwing. However, these engines are not without their issues, and a common problem with the aluminum block is head bolt thread failure. The size of the head bolt is M12x1.75. This was changed from M
…
24th Mar 2023
Avoid Nightmare Scenario: Why the Time Sert 5553 Kit is the Best Spark Plug Thread Repair
WiseAutoTools.com Summary: The Time Sert 5553 kit is the best option for repairing stripped spark plug threads compared to less expensive Chinese-made parts store inserts. The kit is made in the USA with high-quality materials, provides a better seal, and includes all necessary tools for the repair process. Using the Time Sert 5553 kit also helps prevent future problems, such as blown-out inserts, and the lip design ensures that the insert is not screwed in too far, preventing it from dropp
…
19th Mar 2023
How to determine the size of a bolt? Find the right thread repair kit.
WiseAutoTools.com Summary: We cover few ways to determine the size of a bolt. This is needed to select the correct size thread bolt repair kit. Different size kits have different size tooling, so they are not interchangeable. We also debunk the common mistake of using the head of the bolt to determine the size of the bolt threads. A very common mistake. The simplest way to determine the size is to go to a parts store and use their thread size sample display (AKA identifier or gauge) or use
…
30th Oct 2022
STOP Make sure the valves are closed before drilling or tapping! Spark plug thread repair.
DennisB WiseAutoTools.com © Summary: Why it is so important NOT to drill or tap before making sure the valves are closed. When it comes to spark plug thread repair, a common misconception is that the piston "being down" is the only concern. Below is part of a recent email conversation I had with a customer preparing to fix his spark plug threads.Dennis. I have a few more questions if you have the time. I don't have an air compressor so I won't be able to use the leak tester to find bottom d
…
29th Jun 2022
Oversize Thread Repair Kits - Top 3 Questions
DennisB WiseAutoTools.com © Summary: How to determine the right oversize thread repair when a previous parts store type insert or Helicoil has failed making the hole bigger. This question answered and more. We help customers find the best kit when a Helicoil or some other similar type thread repair has failed. There's a lot of information online however it's hard to know who's opinion to trust. A recent customer said "Everyone's got an opinion on thread repair kits online". That's true. I w
…
30th May 2022