Stripped headbolts M54

[Mikkie]

Ok, so I have at least 1, probably 3 stripped deadbolts in my M54. Head is coming of today for rework (eventually).

I am looking for recommendations on someone/someplace that can come out to my home and time-sert the block for me. Probably do all 14 holes in one go.

Suggestions of good machine shops are also welcome. My first point of call is probably Cylinderservices in Pta.

Alternatively, somewhere to rent the time-sert kit and buy some time-serts for the job.

Any suggestions out there?

On slightly different topic, so the head is stripped and removed. While I have all the bits and pieces on the workbench, what should I give attention to for replacement/rework.

Thanks in advance
Mikkie

 

[Luis Malhou]

My friend had the same problem on his e39 528. Everyone's advice on this was to not waste money, the repair costs would not be worth it. Seems the aluminium blocks of this era were prone to strip on head removal. He couldn't find a machine shop that would guarantee the job. They all complained that there was not enough meat between the holes and the oil channels and advised he buy a used JAP motor with under a 100k on the clock. He did the same and found a motor for R8K, which was way less the cost of spares, engineering, gaskets and so forth. Might be a cheaper alternative but only my 2 cents worth.
All he had was a cracked head with no sub assembly damage.

 

[Fordkoppie]

They become brittle after it overheated.

Its going to be $$$$

After such severe overheat, there will be other problems as well.

Save yourself lots of headache and to what Luis suggested - buy another engine

 

[JayDrft]

My 2 cents worth of advice.

As the guys above mentioned, it may be a ball ache.

But, why not drill and retap to the metric size bigger, and then try sourcing, or have head bolts made up to spec, or alternatively, go for studs in the block?

Im just curious how you strip more than one bolt hole on a block.

 

[Gizmo]

R2500 for BMW spec helicoils installed, Andre comes to you and does it. Had it done on Johnny8bit's 328i a couple weeks back.

 

[Mikkie]

Guys, thanks for all the replies.

1. I know one hole is stripped, worried the two on either side might be as well.
2. Spoke to Don from thread tech that does a self cutting insert. Any knowledge about it?
3. Jap engine is an option. Got any contact details for a company that does it.
4. Where do I get hold of Andre?

Thanks

 

[Gizmo]

Andre 0765817477