I think I may do that. Accuracy is tough when you are on your back holding a
droplight in your teeth.
----- Original Message -----
From: "Mike Collum" <collum@VERIZON.NET>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Tuesday, August 26, 2008 8:00 AM
Subject: Re: Header bolts broken

>I once had to put helicoils in the exhaust header holes for #1 cylinder
> with the engine in the van.  At least there was room to work on that
> one.  Of course, I have a right angle drill.
>
> What I did was cut a short length of 2X2 wood and drilled holes near
> each end (using a drill press for accuracy).  One hole was the size for
> the drill bit and the other hole was the size for the tap.  That way I
> had guides for keeping things straight.
>
> Mike
>
>
>
> Cullen Stewart wrote:
>> The worst has happened. After very patiently removing the nuts and bolts
>> on my wbx I twisted 2 off and still have 1 to go. They are flush with the
>> head and have nothing to grab onto. What are my options with out removing
>> the head. They are obviously not grade 5 or 8, but good old garbage grade
>> 2 considering they twisted off with a minimum amount off force. Is it
>> possible to helicoil these while in the van?
>>