SMR511 coolant drain threads stripped

The threads on the coolant drain hole on my SMR511 are stripped. Can anyone suggest a fix? Can a helicoil work? Would I need to get a new water pump cover?

Helicoil. Or drill out and tap to next bigger size and match to a bigger bolt.
Careful not to let the swarf into the motor and cooling system.

Cool. Thanks duggoey.

give us a picture of the damage. It may be possible to chase or re-tap the threads and put the drain bolt back in (lightly) with some goop or Loctite.

you also might consider J-B Weld or that Loctite thread repair epoxy. It should be able to handle the heat without a problem. ...and if any of these techniques fail, you can resort to a heli-coil (although I like timeserts better).

Also, consider using an aluminum bolt for the drain: easier on the female threads and it should grow/contract closer to the same rate as the hole. Watch for galling though- go easy.

It just a plug basically; shouldn't be under *too* much stress or pressure (20-30 psi).

good luck.

If you use a helicoil kit, make sure to cover the tap threads in grease and clean/replace the grease every turn or so of the tap. The grease will hold on to the swarf and stop it going into the engine. Then use a cotton swab to clean it out at the end.

So, took a while for me to get to doing the fix. But it was actually super easy to just take the pump cover off so I could drill/tap for the repair.