My 1986 Chevy S-10 was leaking by the thermostat. I started to replace the thermostat and gasket but noticed that one of the bolt holes is stripped out and I cannot tighten the bolt.

Is there some kind of sleeve I can use? Other suggestions?

Thanks,

Dwight

Yes, Dwight. There is a device which consists of an externally threaded sleeve with an internal replacement thread. It has been a long time since I've worked on cars and so I don't remember what it is called but I'm sure any automotive parts supplier can furnish it.

Yes, Frank is right on. It is called a helicoil.

It looks like a spring. You drill out the hole a little larger, tap it to the new size and screw in the proper coil. This will re-size the hole to the bolt size.

Most auto stores have them in a kit. I think you can get them on-line from JC Whitney but was unable to find them.

Thanks to both frankvan and Walks On Water! I got the helicoil and it fixed the problem perfectly.

I certainly appreciate your help with this!

Dwight

I still have a leak somewhere in the cooling system. The themostat gasket was leaking a lot and the amount of the leak is substantially less now, but there is still a leak coming from somewhere.

It seems to be from the rear of the engine area, behind the air cleaner. At least that is where I see the drip under the vehicle.

I'm wondering if something like "Stop Leak" is worth trying. I have not located the source of the coolant leak.

Dwight