Stripped Threads

[MotT3]

Due to unforseen circumstances I have to use Helical thread inserts on two of the cam cover bolts...!!!!

Any tips or advice to make the process as painless as poss would be much appreciated..

[sailfish]

Don't feel too bad about the stripped threads, it's a common affliction of the T300 engine. I followed the advice of my Triumph enthusiast counter man (he put flat slides on a Tiger) and did all eight at once. A drill press is handy for re-drilling the holes and soft jaws in a vice will hold the cam caps while you tap new holes and insert the coils. Have a way to blow the aluminum chips out of the holes. I did them in pairs, one intake and one exhaust cap at a time. The insert length isn't too critical since they're only holding on an aluminum cover, just don't put them in too deep so that they touch the cam journal. Make sure the orientation of the cap is exactly the same upon reassembly. You might mark them ahead of time to be sure. You’ll need a torque wrench.

[MotT3]

Cheers sailfish, I was fitting a steering damper kit...the bolts supplied were too long for the mounting bracket....they bolt through the two far right cam cover bolt holes....the bolts went all the way through, as I tourqued them down...onto the cam shaft journal !!! they stripped the threads... so it looks like cams out for a clean up as the crap from the thread would have fallen straight through onto the oil feed holes for the cam shaft...! I hope it hasn't marked them, I ahdn't started the bike up thank god...!

I have ordered a drill press and Helicoil kit, I have also contacted Sprint Dampers and to be fair they were switched on and helpfull, he offered to rethread the cam caps and offered any more assistance if needed...well it's all spilt milk now ay so no point ranting, I think you are right about doing the lot...I think I'll do the same to save any problems on the next valve check etc

To top it all off the food prcessor died last night and my lovely lady trod on my glasses this morning....so that's all three I hope !

[MotT3]

Just took the tank and plug caps off....No. 3 was full of oil...so the seal must be leaking, perhaps I was a little too frugal with the sealant on the last valve check..! The Mytivac sucked it all out quite successfully tho..

I've now given up todays spannering for beer instead, we will see what tomorrow brings.