F41eatsFords

First, I apologize for not doing a thorough enough search, I need to be out the door soon. I replaced the trans filter and pan gasket (700R4), and one of my bolt holes is stripped. I wouldn't worry, except when the motor's off, there is a slow dripping from the Driv side front corner. It's the bolt on that corner, on the front of the pan, between the pan and inspection cover.

My plan is to drill it out slightly bigger and retap the hole to a bigger bolt size. Helicoil kits are expensive, but a tap is less so. I don't care about the different size, it makes no real difference to me. But I have a few questions:

1. What is the size, length, and thread of the stock bolt? Any suggestions on the next size up? If I don't have to take the time to crawl under and take the bolt out to take to the store I'd appreciate it.

2. Is there enough meat in the case for this to work (I'm assuming yes, but want to verify)

3. I'm assuming I could use this option without having to drop the pan again; am I correct? This is why I'm thinking this option. It would be GREAT if that's the case.

4. Is there any special bolt to use (hardened, etc), or will a regular one work?

Thanks ahead of time for all your replies; I'm hoping to get to it tomorrow afternoon so I can have it drivable (just pulled out of storage). If not, it's not a big deal since I have a 2nd car, but it's what I'm hoping to do.

87350IROC

iTrader: (2)

I'd helicoil it, your method would work fine as long as there is enough meat.

You can probably do either method without dropping the pan.

The bolts are plain old bolts, grade 5 or 8 would be fine.

I'll check my trans and see what i think about if there is enough metal to tap bigger.

F41eatsFords

I thought of another Idea; I can JB Weld a stud into the hole and tighten it on with a nut and washer. Any cons to this, other than it being unconventional to uniformity with the other bolts? it seems the easiest, cheapest, and quickest; not much skill required, hence my reasoning, lol!

HawkZ28

iTrader: (2)

Helicoil it. JB weld is for 1/2 assing it. Do it the right way. With ATF in the hole already, it's going to be hard to get any kind of a bond. Add heat cycling, vibration, you see where it's going.

IIRC, Advance (and Orielley's?) carry a 'variety' pack of an off brand helicoil. Get the one you need, and have some you might need later down the road for the same price as several of one size.

F41eatsFords

OK, so I took the bolt out and stuck a pipe cleaner in the hole to see how deep the hole was, to see if I could use a longer bolt to catch extra thread. It turns out that the hole goes all the way through. I was able to remove the inspection cover and use a longer bolt with a nut. Yes, it may be a pain when I need to drop the pan again, but then I'll have a clear shot for drilling and tapping the hole and fixing it the "right way". It's reversible, anyways, and it only took me about an hour.