Pro tip: stop using impact guns on injector hold-down bolts

I was out in Lubbock last week on a 2015 6.7 Powerstroke, snapped two injector hold-down bolts before I realized the previous guy had torqued them with an impact. Had to pull the head and helicoil both holes. Took me an extra 4 hours on a job I quoted for 6. Has anyone else run into this crap or am I the only one dealing with other people's shortcuts?

3 comments

3 Comments

nancyramirez3d agoTop Commenter

Helicoil is a band-aid, you really should have just tapped it for a time-sert instead since those threads are way stronger on a repair like that.

kim_davis3d ago

Wait, you're saying a Helicoil is just a band-aid compared to a time-sert?

owens.laura3d ago

Tbh it's not quite that simple. Helicoils can be totally fine depending on the application, like in aluminum where the thread engagement is mostly about surface area. Time-serts are definitely stronger in high stress or high heat situations, but calling a Helicoil a band-aid is a bit harsh. People have been using them for decades on things like cylinder head bolt holes without issues if you install them right. The big difference is that time-serts have a bigger shoulder and lock in tighter, but for most normal repairs a Helicoil will get the job done.