Patto

I have been enjoying a lot of trouble-free time with my 3W85xi, but I just noticed the muffler was loose last night and one of the threaded holes in the cylinder head is stripped out.

So, I went to Aircraft International's website, and it's a generic site now. Does this mean they are gone and Cactus is my only choice?

If that's the case, I will sell the engine as-is and go to a different brand. The only reason I stuck with 3W after Bobby at Cactus stole money from me was because Aircraft International was available.

Anyone want to make an offer on a 3W85xi with one stripped muffler bolt hole? =(

All Day Dan

My Feedback: (5)

That can easily be repaired with a Helicoil. Dan.

Robby

My Feedback: (18)

Aircraft International is still around...
There was a web site problem and seems to be working now..

Tired Old Man

My Feedback: (1)

I spoke with Gerhard last week. A/I is still alive and well. He had been out of town for about a week due to the death of someone close to him.

Patto

I'm glad to hear it. He's a good guy.

Stick2000

Hi Dan,

I have the same problem also (stripped thread in cylinder).
Where due you get these helicoils ?

Bland

All Day Dan

My Feedback: (5)

Bland, Look under "Tools" in the phone book. They all carry them. Helicoil is a trade name so if they don't have that they will have a generic of it. They are easy to install and they come with the instructions. Dan.

Stick2000

Thanks Dan, I'll check them out.

Bland

MetallicaJunkie

Bobby isnt the most honest guy ill tell you that....personal experience, and my brother's as well

Tired Old Man

My Feedback: (1)

MSC Direct has a pretty full line of helicoil inserts, both SAE and metric.

captinjohn

Many of the engines I worked on had to meet Military specs. Most bolt holes had helicoils as standard. A bolt hole with a helicoil insert is far better. Aluminum is soft compared to steel. When bolts are removed & replaced wear takes place. Not so if a helicoil is used. All our RC engines I feel should have them on the exhaust, intake, cyl base and even prop hubs. It is not that much of a extra cost to do. I have intsalled & inspected hudreds of the helicoil inserts. They must be blow surface & install tab broken of. A small magnet is used sometimes to get tabs out. Capt,n

krayzc-RCU

My Feedback: (31)

do u have to have a special tool to insert those thing? i see a tool on this site and its like 182 bucks.

captinjohn

Try this link...use google to find more http://www.emhart.com/products/helic...iex/design.asp Capt,n
http://www.emhart.com/products/helicoil.asp Look for video...a must!

krayzc-RCU

My Feedback: (31)

kewl tks

Stick2000

Sears has a whole line of helicoils both metric and sae.
there in kits with the tools you need to repair the thread.
price range from about $ 23.00 up depending on the size.

Thanks again Dan.
Bland

krayzc-RCU

My Feedback: (31)

good deal stick2000

buck1856

My Feedback: (49)

Heli-coils are expensive since your buying just one at a time.
I make my own because i have a lathe.If you dont have a lathe,seeif a friend does or knows someone.
You could do one without one but its a little harder.
Anyway,heres how.
Drill and tap your hole to the next biggest size.
Buy a soft bolt[#3] to match your threads you just did.
Drill the bolt out to the proper size to tap to the original size of your bolt.
Then tap your bolt,cut a screwdriver slot in the part you just tapped with a hacksaw.
then cut off head of bolt and install with locktite.
The reason i do this is because after youve spent $23-$32 dollars for your kit[wich only does one bolt]your left with parts and nothing to use them for.Remeber,the kit only has 1 heli-coil in it.

jedijody

My Feedback: (1)

All metric Helicoil kits through 10mm come with 12 thread repair inserts and are under $30. If it was midnight and I needed an insert installed before 9 am the next morning I might consider making one if I couldn't just use the next larger fastener in a pinch. My time is to valuble to not to take advantage of the accuracy and ease of which the kits make thread repair.

kurt2022

My Feedback: (18)

I have a couple gas engines that have had stripped muffler flange problems, both planes have had the landing gear collapse before and the muffler stacks strike the ground. I installed heli coils in the muffler flanges but after a period of time, one took about a year to back off and the other was less then a month, and on inspecting the flange they both had cracks in them thus causing the heli coils to back off. Some people have great luck with them but are usally people that have meatier engines (g62 or simular)with more aluminum to work with on the flange. I also wonder if I had used a higher quality heli coil repair kit I would have had better luck. The question I have is: Has anyone ever had a problem muffler welded to a engine(heli-arc welded) and what were the results? I have 2 out of warrenty great running engines that I refuse to drop big bucks on for a new jug!

Tired Old Man

My Feedback: (1)

Jody,

Isn't that like searching for the cheapest CM-6?

drbenz

My Feedback: (11)

i used to use heli-coil until i started using time serts. they are much more reliable and stay in better. they are a solid piece insert not like a spring. The kits might be a little more expensive but well worth it in my opinion. If you can find a foreign car repair shop they should be able to install one for you at a reasonable price.

flyingairplanes

My Feedback: (2)

Checkers auto parts sell them and they work great