gkinslow Posted August 20, 2016 Share Posted August 20, 2016 I recently installed my new Grimmspeed TMIC and the studs used to mount my bypass valve are stripped to the point where they will hold the BPV on but barely and with a slight leak. I'm wondering whether I should drill and re-tap the holes a size larger or attempt to get them to hold in the existing (mostly stripped holes) using JB weld or some other high temp epoxy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rougeben83 Posted August 20, 2016 Share Posted August 20, 2016 are the bolt holes outside of the TMIC body or inside? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
seanyb505 Posted August 20, 2016 Share Posted August 20, 2016 Can you contact Grimmspeed? A local shop told me the cobra hose was leaking and gs sent me a new one. Obviously the core is very different from a silicone hose, but it might be worth a call. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gkinslow Posted August 20, 2016 Author Share Posted August 20, 2016 The bolt holes look to go into the core. It's not just a flange where I could use a through hole and bolt with nut. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gkinslow Posted August 20, 2016 Author Share Posted August 20, 2016 Unfortunately I bought the unit from a member on here but it was BNIB when I received it. All hoses and hardware still in sealed bags. Kinda doubt grimmspeed would be willing to replace the core.... But yes maybe worth a call before I attempt repairs. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337Z using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rougeben83 Posted August 20, 2016 Share Posted August 20, 2016 I would heli-coil it then. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gkinslow Posted August 21, 2016 Author Share Posted August 21, 2016 Forgot about helicoils. As thin as the aluminum is at that point, I wonder if a helicoil is the best option. Guess I need to do some measuring in the morning. Also don't think I've ever used a helicoil to repair a through hole.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jayrex Posted August 21, 2016 Share Posted August 21, 2016 I've used helicoils a little bit, they work well, but you still need to tap the hole and then use a special tool to get it in there. They are used when you really can't change the bolt size for some reason. I would just drill and tap it with the next size bolt. Amazon has good prices on specific drill bit + taps. If its not a thru hole, make sure you get a 'bottoming tap' There's cheaper ones out there but here's an example: https://www.amazon.com/Drill-America-AB14X2-Flute-Bottoming/dp/B00DLCWO5S/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1471741804&sr=8-2&keywords=M14+bottoming+tap Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gkinslow Posted August 21, 2016 Author Share Posted August 21, 2016 I have everything to drill and re-tap, also have everything needed to helicoil I'm just having trouble deciding which solution is best in this scenario. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whitrzac Posted August 21, 2016 Share Posted August 21, 2016 All of the intercoolers I've had have had the BOV holes helicoiled from day one. Along with the turbo flange bolts. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Max Capacity Posted August 21, 2016 Share Posted August 21, 2016 Call Matt at GS first. You need to make sure you get all the metal chips out if you drill through holes. A good machine shop con also do a good repair. It might be worth it in the long run to have a machine shop do the repair. That GS tmic is not a cheap piece to screw up. 305,600miles 5/2012 ej257 short block, 8/2011 installed VF52 turbo, @20.8psi, 280whp, 300ftlbs. (SOLD). CHECK your oil, these cars use it. Engine Build - Click Here Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Max Capacity Posted August 21, 2016 Share Posted August 21, 2016 I've used helicoils a little bit, they work well, but you still need to tap the hole and then use a special tool to get it in there. They are used when you really can't change the bolt size for some reason. I would just drill and tap it with the next size bolt. Amazon has good prices on specific drill bit + taps. If its not a thru hole, make sure you get a 'bottoming tap' There's cheaper ones out there but here's an example: https://www.amazon.com/Drill-America-AB14X2-Flute-Bottoming/dp/B00DLCWO5S/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1471741804&sr=8-2&keywords=M14+bottoming+tap Most any hardware store will have the correct 6mm x 1.25 tap for that hole. May be invest in a Tap set at Sears or Harbor Fright. 305,600miles 5/2012 ej257 short block, 8/2011 installed VF52 turbo, @20.8psi, 280whp, 300ftlbs. (SOLD). CHECK your oil, these cars use it. Engine Build - Click Here Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gkinslow Posted August 21, 2016 Author Share Posted August 21, 2016 I already have a set of taps and helicoils (with helicoil) tap ready to go. If I already have to drill tap for the helicoil, why not just drill and tap for larger bolt? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rougeben83 Posted August 21, 2016 Share Posted August 21, 2016 I already have a set of taps and helicoils (with helicoil) tap ready to go. If I already have to drill tap for the helicoil, why not just drill and tap for larger bolt? helicoils are much stronger than aluminum threads so there's less chance of chewing them up. A lot of STI owners had to do this with the aluminum Brembo calipers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Max Capacity Posted August 21, 2016 Share Posted August 21, 2016 Calipers are a lot different then a BOV. All you need to do is snug the bolt, the O-ring seals the pressure not the bolt. If you drill all the way through the tmic, you might want to put a little RTV on the bolt threads. I don't recall if the GS tmic has through holes or not. 305,600miles 5/2012 ej257 short block, 8/2011 installed VF52 turbo, @20.8psi, 280whp, 300ftlbs. (SOLD). CHECK your oil, these cars use it. Engine Build - Click Here Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gkinslow Posted August 21, 2016 Author Share Posted August 21, 2016 The holes are through the outer shell and terminate on the inside of the unit. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337Z using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Max Capacity Posted August 21, 2016 Share Posted August 21, 2016 Oh, yea just tap for a 1/4" bolt, I think they are just the next step up from 6mm ? 305,600miles 5/2012 ej257 short block, 8/2011 installed VF52 turbo, @20.8psi, 280whp, 300ftlbs. (SOLD). CHECK your oil, these cars use it. Engine Build - Click Here Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gkinslow Posted August 22, 2016 Author Share Posted August 22, 2016 1/4" bolt is still too small. Looks like I'll have to go even bigger if I go that route. 5/16" bolt may mean drilling out the holes on the BPV as well. I did get Grimmspeed involved and am awaiting their response/advice. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whitrzac Posted August 22, 2016 Share Posted August 22, 2016 Oh, yea just tap for a 1/4" bolt, I think they are just the next step up from 6mm ? This is wrong on so many levels. You don't tap a 100% metric car for a standard bolt unless absolutely necessary, much less a $900 intercooler that would greatly diminish its resale value. A helicoil will be stronger than the original threads. Apply a little RTV or thread lock compound when threading the coils in to seal them up and to prevent them from ever backing out. The stock BOV has an oring aftermarket ones do not. The BOV is also a common source for leaks when it's not installed correctly. The fact the GS intercooler is not helicoiled from the factory is a little surprising. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gkinslow Posted August 22, 2016 Author Share Posted August 22, 2016 It definitely is not helicoiled from the factory but according to grimmspeed the studs come pre-installed using "thread sealant" which I didn't see a trace of. They seemed eager to help and if they recommend helicoil with loctite then that's what I'll do. For some reason I'm hesitant to use a helicoil in case the loctite doesn't hold and the helicoil decides to make it's way into the intercooler and find its way to the turbo... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GTEASER Posted August 22, 2016 Share Posted August 22, 2016 The helicoil couldn't get into the turbo from the TB side of the intercooler, but it could be ingested by the motor. GTEASER's 2012 Legacy GT - Sold GTEASER's 2009 XTeaser - Sold GTEASER's 1992 Legacy SS - Sold Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gkinslow Posted August 22, 2016 Author Share Posted August 22, 2016 I was wondering if I had the airflow path correct in my head. Guess not. My ignorance not withstanding....catastrophic events could occur from the tmic ingesting a helicoil. At least with drilling and tapping a larger size a bolt will never end up inside my TMIC. Thats my thought process anyway. Still waiting on GS reply. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RWebb Posted August 22, 2016 Share Posted August 22, 2016 helicoil is the answer. Why is this thread so long? Max Capacity is why.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Max Capacity Posted August 22, 2016 Share Posted August 22, 2016 Ouch. 305,600miles 5/2012 ej257 short block, 8/2011 installed VF52 turbo, @20.8psi, 280whp, 300ftlbs. (SOLD). CHECK your oil, these cars use it. Engine Build - Click Here Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Max Capacity Posted August 22, 2016 Share Posted August 22, 2016 This is wrong on so many levels. You don't tap a 100% metric car for a standard bolt unless absolutely necessary, much less a $900 intercooler that would greatly diminish its resale value. A helicoil will be stronger than the original threads. Apply a little RTV or thread lock compound when threading the coils in to seal them up and to prevent them from ever backing out. The stock BOV has an oring aftermarket ones do not. The BOV is also a common source for leaks when it's not installed correctly. The fact the GS intercooler is not helicoiled from the factory is a little surprising. I guess you would hate to hear that I use a 3/8 hardware to hold my mid pipe to the DP. 305,600miles 5/2012 ej257 short block, 8/2011 installed VF52 turbo, @20.8psi, 280whp, 300ftlbs. (SOLD). CHECK your oil, these cars use it. Engine Build - Click Here Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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