In a message dated 8/20/2002 10:02:01 AM Eastern Daylight Time, 
LISTSERV@GERRY.VANAGON.COM writes:

> For those who have had bolts strip on the heads where they hold the exhaust
> pipes and have retapped the holes in the heads, what did you find to be the
> best size bolt to use?  I am wondering if there is an SAE size that will be
> closer to the original bolt so that I would not have to drill out that much
> metal.  Anyone have any ideas?
> 
       You can keep the original size by using Helicoil or Time-Sert thread 
inserts.  This is highly advisable as then the thread wear is not on the 
aluminum.  You can change to SAE thread pitch if you want if metric threads 
mess you up.  Makes no difference if you have easy access to either.  You can 
also go up one bolt size with no consequences.  Actually it may be better as 
there can be more tightening force applied to keep the flange tight and the 
gaskets from blowing out.  But if the surfaces are true this is not really a 
problem.  One other thing to remember it to always oversize the flange bolt 
holes so there is no undue lateral stress on the flanges.

Cheers��

Frank Condelli
Almonte, Ontario, Canada
<A HREF="http://members.aol.com/BusFusion/bfhome.htm">BusFusion</A> a VW Camper camping event, Almonte, ON, June 2003
'87 Westy & Lionel Trains
Member: <A HREF="http://www.vanagon.com/">Vanagon List</A>, <A HREF="http://www.bcn.net/~limbo/">LiMBO</A>, <A HREF="http://www.westfalia.qc.ca/">IWCCC</A> & Capital City VW Club 
Vanagon/Vanagon Westfalia Service in the Ottawa Valley
<A HREF="http://members.aol.com/Fkc43/stebro.htm">STEBRO/Vanagon Stainless Steel Mufflers</A> �
<A HREF="http://members.aol.com/Fkc43/busindex.html">Frank Condelli & Associates</A> or http://frankcondelli.com