Stripped Screw Hole in Motor

[massivex]

I stripped the holes in my Traxxas 2.5 motor trying to remount my cooling head. Can I fix the thread in the hole or is the motor finished?

 

[Scrogg]

How many did you strip? If it is just one, you'll be OK. If you have 2 holes side by side stripped, I'd worry.

 

[massivex]

2 side by side it is and a 3rd is not good. I was thinking is there a way to maybe fill the hole with JB Weld or something and re tap the hole.

If thats an idea does anybody know the tap measurements I would need for that screw??

 

[CharliesTheMan]

I would reccomend tapping the aluminum if you can (I don't know how much room you have to work with) instead of using JB Weld, especially on the head, but you could just replace that motor case for not much more than the JB weld would cost.

 

[Racer 1966]

I would tap the holes to a slightly larger size, drill the holes in the head for clearance if necessary

 

[massivex]

any idea of the size measurements required to tap that?

 

[unccpathfinder]

I would def steer clear of filling with JB b/c after 1 cycle it's going to crack... if one screw is bad i'd get it buttoned down b/c it will be a matter of time b4 you warp the head and start loosing compression

My suggestion would be go to www.mcmaster.com and search Helicoil they have helicoils in a .119" dia (says its a 2-52 thread pitch) I'm not sure what tap you would tap the aluminum to for the helicoil but if you get the kit (kinda pricey there so you may want to shop around but I know they are fast with shipping we usually order at like 4PM and get it next day but we are only like 5 hrs from their facility here in CA) that to me would be the most correct fix besides replacing the block...

I would recommend a kit b/c I think it should have the drill, the tap, tool, and punch to break off the tang...

 

[massivex]

Nice info. Thanks. Helicoils look exactly like the perfect fix for my problem. I'm in Canada so CA is a little far but I will look into this more because it looks like an excellent solution.

 

[unccpathfinder]

they're great for repairs and also used as locking features...I have used them quite frequently in my year of experience in aerospace...mainly to use them as a mechanical locking element in machined aluminum parts...

One thing to keep in mind if you ever do your own alodining/anodizing you will want to remove the helicoils

Good luck and they may be a PITA since they're so small but who knows they may be easier to work with than the larger ones

 

[olds97_lss]

I don't know if you have enough material to bother with drilling out and re-tapping. I'd just get a new crank case and not worry about it. They don't cost much. Heck, you may find a local online here at RCNT that would be willing to part with one. I would, but shipping would eat up some $ more than likely.

 

[unccpathfinder]

there are lots on ebay as well if none are local...