Thermostat Housing (lower bolt hole stripped?)

[CRMW]

I just changed the thermostat on my 93 explorer that I recently aquired. When I removed the lower bolt I noticed the bolt was not tight. The coolant level was low (at about the level of the thermostat) so I think the last time the thermostat was changed someone stripped the threads. The bolt was larger in diameter and longer that the other two bolts holding the cover on so someone may have tried to fix it once already.

Does anyone have any ideas on a fix?

Chris

 

[MAXIMIS1]

purches "heli coil" its prob. the only fix possible. short of replacing the maiifold.

 

[cculter]

you could probabally tap the hole out a little bigger and up the size of the bolt. Just use a common tap and die set.

 

[Tony H]

I drilled and tapped a larger size on an old Chevy 4 cylinder that had the same issue. Just make sure there is enough Metal left all around to do this.

 

[CRMW]

Thanks for the info, I'll have to drill & tao it when it warms up and stops snowing.

Chris

 

[Tony H]

yeah, good idea.

you will rush thru it otherwise.