2010 - X - Stripped water pump hole thread?

hogo21 · 2025-10-06T23:46:55-0400

Needed to do a radiator change so I also changed a bunch of other stuff while I was at it, timing belt, water pump, thermostat. But somehow during the water pump change, my dad stripped the bolt hole for bolt # 2.

My first question/concern is will this cause a leak? From my research it seems like it will and I don't want to waste coolant by filling my car up and just watching it leak. (that's what my dad is suggesting :/ )

Second, the best solution I found for a stripped bolt hole is to use a Helicoil kit. However, to get proper access to that bolt hole, i need to remove the water pump, which requires me to remove the timing belt, which i would like to avoid if possible. I think I have enough space to get to bolt #2 while the timing belt is still in place. Can i tap the hole for the helicoil kit straight through the water pump hole and then into the bolt hole on the other side? My thinking is that the hole on the water pump isn't threaded and the bolt normally slides right through it. So if try to tap the stripped bolt hole on the other side of the water pump while the water pump is attached, even if the water pump hole is widened or even threaded, it wouldn't affect anything?

thanks in advanced

donkpow · 2025-10-07T06:03:37-0400

You will be enlarging the hole in the water pump flange in order to drill the hole in the block. The flange is where the actual sealing occurs.

Here is the solution you are looking for. It may or may not work. You will want to mind in installation that the other bolts are going to need to provide the full clamping force of the assembly.

hogo21 · 2025-10-07T23:35:33-0400

@donkpow What makes you say that it might not work? What should I be aware of when I further research this product? Also, can I leave the water pump on to do this repair with the loctite?

Thanks

donkpow · 2025-10-08T05:38:23-0400

The few times I have used it, it doesn't take full torque. So I don't know what the limit is on that. I expect coarse threaded fasteners would hold better than fine thread.

It's simply not the same thing as a decent bolt hole. I think in that video they just put a cover back on. It's better than an empty hole, though.

PeterfromOz · 2025-10-08T19:30:35-0400

Google for a M6 thread repair kit and it most likely will tell you the tapping hole or drill size required. I would think that it is larger than the water pump hole.

Also, look on Youtube for a comparison of thread repair methods. I think I have seen such a video comparing the liquid repair type.

2010 - X - Stripped water pump hole thread?

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