SR turbo oil feed leak - best fix?

[kairojya]

So I tried finding out info on a local forum, I'm needing the right info and in a timely manner so I'm guessing I'll get that here from you guys.

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My problem is, I installed a shitty copy of a copy XS Power manifold several months ago. Didn't think to invest into SS lines at the time, so the manifold placed the stock T28 a little further back than the stock mani did, the hardlines didn't match up perfect so I stripped the oil feed threads on the block:

http://img516.imageshack.us/img516/4763/dscn4106.jpg

http://img13.imageshack.us/img13/3741/dscn4108l.jpg

http://img19.imageshack.us/img19/8214/dscn4118.jpg

http://img23.imageshack.us/img23/9663/dscn4128.jpg



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I had a friend mail me the helicoil kit that he got from another guy that bought it for this problem. However I was only sent a few M12x1.5 inserts and the Helicoil insert tool itself for that matching size. So I don't know which tap size to use or which drill bit.

I'm wanting to go to a AN fitting at the block and get a new line and be done with this banjo bolt nonsense. I've already ordered the Taka oil restrictor for the turbo side:

Taka Ball Bearing Oil Restrictor (http://www.240sxmotoring.com/tababeoilre.html)

The problem with that is I don't know what size AN that is, anyone know?

My main question is, should I even bother with the helicoil insert or just tap it out to (insert size here) and thread in a AN fitting (insert fitting specifications here) and never have to worry about this again???

[Monooxide]

So I tried finding out info on a local forum, I'm needing the right info and in a timely manner so I'm guessing I'll get that here from you guys.

----

My problem is, I installed a shitty copy of a copy XS Power manifold several months ago. Didn't think to invest into SS lines at the time, so the manifold placed the stock T28 a little further back than the stock mani did, the hardlines didn't match up perfect so I stripped the oil feed threads on the block:

---------------------

I had a friend mail me the helicoil kit that he got from another guy that bought it for this problem. However I was only sent a few M12x1.5 inserts and the Helicoil insert tool itself for that matching size. So I don't know which tap size to use or which drill bit.

I'm wanting to go to a AN fitting at the block and get a new line and be done with this banjo bolt nonsense. I've already ordered the Taka oil restrictor for the turbo side:

Taka Ball Bearing Oil Restrictor (http://www.240sxmotoring.com/tababeoilre.html)

The problem with that is I don't know what size AN that is, anyone know?

My main question is, should I even bother with the helicoil insert or just tap it out to (insert size here) and thread in a AN fitting (insert fitting specifications here) and never have to worry about this again???

I would personally just drill it out and tap up to the next size.

The Oil line should be a -4 AN.

I drill and tap for a 1/4 NPT and use a 1/4NPT -> -4AN fitting.

The 1/4 NPT is just a little bit bigger than the M12.

Your line MAY be -3 AN but I'd assume its a -4 AN.

Good luck.

[japslapsilvia]

most of the "off the shelf" turbo line kits use -3AN oil hose.

[Monooxide]

EDIT: They dont make such a fitting to use 1/4 NPT and -3 AN...I would get a new -4 AN line made and do what I recommended.

[kairojya]

Ok I'll tap it out to that then. I'm not planning on using the Circuit Sports line anyhow. Thanks for the info.

[japslapsilvia]

Pegasus - AN816 Male NPT Pipe to Male AN Adapter (http://www.pegasusautoracing.com/productselection.asp?Product=3250)

part # 3250-04-03A

just in case u wanted to keep the -3AN hose. b/c IIRC the adaptater that 240sx motoring sells is for -3AN, buy they may have -4 as well

[kairojya]

Pegasus - AN816 Male NPT Pipe to Male AN Adapter (http://www.pegasusautoracing.com/productselection.asp?Product=3250)

part # 3250-04-03A

just in case u wanted to keep the -3AN hose. b/c IIRC the adaptater that 240sx motoring sells is for -3AN, buy they may have -4 as well

Thanks for posting, I'll try to find out for sure what size the Taka restrictor is

[kairojya]

Ok I'm a little bit confused. I'd rather ask before wasting my time going up to Sears. I have a Craftsman mixed Tap/Die set. I've checked through and all my taps are course and fine thread taps ... I have a 1/4-20 and a 1/4-28 tap, I know they aren't NPT and I know not to use them but out of curiosity I lined it up with the oil feed hole on the block and this tap is way too small.

I'm assuming when you guys say to tap it to 1/4 NPT you mean the taps diamete is 1/4"? The ones I have are 20/28 threads per 1/4" from what I figure.

So what do I buy when I go to the store, what size tap?

[japslapsilvia]

its a specific tap, technically its 1/4 -18 and you will need a 7/16th drill bit for it

most "kits" include an 1/8NPT tap, but u need to get the 1/4NPT tap, they should have them speratly.

[kairojya]

its a specific tap, technically its 1/4 -18 and you will need a 7/16th drill bit for it

most "kits" include an 1/8NPT tap, but u need to get the 1/4NPT tap, they should have them speratly.

Yea I had some time just now so I took a ride up to Sears and Home Depot. Well HD didn't have shit for taps. Sears had only 1 kit that included a 1/4 pipe tap but someone broke into it and stole a few taps among which was the 1/4 one.

I'm going to try Harbor Freight, thanks for giving me the drill bit size though. I have one of those :wiggle:.

[kairojya]

Just to make sure, would this kit be appropriate:

- Harbor Freight Tools - Quality Tools at the Lowest Prices (http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=42432)

[japslapsilvia]

yea it has the correct size, however i would try and find a single tap, it would be cheaper. plus you can a quality one. HF taps arent necessarly the best. it should work though.

[Monooxide]

1/4 NPT means it has a 1/4" ID Hole in the fitting...therefore the drill/tap size is much bigger than .25".

[kairojya]

yea it has the correct size, however i would try and find a single tap, it would be cheaper. plus you can a quality one. HF taps arent necessarly the best. it should work though.

I don't know anywhere else I could buy this locally. I'll try another bigger Sears but I'm assuming they have the same taps as the one closest to me.

1/4 NPT means it has a 1/4" ID Hole in the fitting...therefore the drill/tap size is much bigger than .25".

Thanks for the explanation.

[shinmei-2006]

^ i can look at the ones near me and mail it to ya dude. Try looking online and seeing if you can ship to you or a store near you.

[n240sxfnatic]

What size bit do you need to drill out for the heli coil and retain the stock bolt?

[Monooxide]

What size bit do you need to drill out for the heli coil and retain the stock bolt?

Google reveals all answers...

12.4mm or .488" or ~31/64"

[kairojya]

See I didn't know what size bit, the guy that I got the kit from has been letting others borrow it and when he got it back last time he didn't get the bit back with it.

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Would these taps be fine for 1/4 NPT:

http://www.amazon.com/Pipe-Tap-1-4-18-NPT/dp/B0007UTHTI

http://www.amazon.com/Hanson-HAN8203-Carbon-Steel-Taper/dp/B000WZYHAC/ref=pd_sbs_auto_1/179-5271566-2019922

[kairojya]

Update:

I called around and found a local NAPA that had a 1/4 Pipe thread tap. It doesn't say NPT on the package or the tap so I'm posting a picture to make sure this is right before I use it.

http://img135.imageshack.us/img135/1384/dscn4132.jpg


It says on the tap itself:

1/4-18 PIPE USA
DL 7/16 884

[Monooxide]

Update:

I called around and found a local NAPA that had a 1/4 Pipe thread tap. It doesn't say NPT on the package or the tap so I'm posting a picture to make sure this is right before I use it.


It says on the tap itself:

1/4-19 PIPE USA
DL 7/16 884

Both taps on Amazon are what you need.

Weird...

1/4-19 would be BSPT and not NPT...but it says USA...

Measure how many threads per inch there are...make sure it is 18 and not 19.

Also, you could just take your new NPT -> AN fitting and lay the tap on the threads of the fitting and see if the threads match up.

EDIT: BSPT stands for British Standard...that's why I mentioned it said USA.

[kairojya]

Both taps on Amazon are what you need.

Weird...

1/4-19 would be BSPT and not NPT...but it says USA...

Measure how many threads per inch there are...make sure it is 18 and not 19.

Also, you could just take your new NPT -> AN fitting and lay the tap on the threads of the fitting and see if the threads match up.

EDIT: BSPT stands for British Standard...that's why I mentioned it said USA.


oops I'm sorry it doesn't say 19 it says 18, typo my bad! I haven't gotten the AN fitting yet cause I want it to match the Taka size so when I get the Taka fitting in I will go to a shop and have a line made and but the same size fitting.

[Monooxide]

oops I'm sorry it doesn't say 19 it says 18, typo my bad! I haven't gotten the AN fitting yet cause I want it to match the Taka size so when I get the Taka fitting in I will go to a shop and have a line made and but the same size fitting.

You're golden then, that's the correct tap.

[kairojya]

Excellent! I can't find my 7/16 drill bit but I'll just go to the store and buy one, I'll be doing the work tomorrow afternoon ... should I put just some motor oil around the tap threads for lubrication?

[japslapsilvia]

i use bearing grease for a couple of reasons. lubrication and i can minimize the amount of shavings...for the most part they will stick in the "flutes" of the tap.

but cutting oil and/or motor oil should work.

[Monooxide]

Excellent! I can't find my 7/16 drill bit but I'll just go to the store and buy one, I'll be doing the work tomorrow afternoon ... should I put just some motor oil around the tap threads for lubrication?

Yep, red medium weight bearing grease is what I use.

Also, do NOT force the tap. Take it slow, do like 1/4 to 1/2 turn at a time then back it off a half to 3/4 of a turn when you have the tap started, repeat this until you have tapped the full thread portion enough to put the fitting in OR until the tap stops if it prevents you from going a decent amount in.

You will get a MUCH cleaner thread because the material you remove will go into the flutes of the tap and get caught in the grease on the back spin of the tap.. The grease will cut down on shavings left in the engine as well.

Also, be sure to remove your oil pan and rinse plenty of solvent or something down that hole to ensure the maximum amount of shavings from tapping and drilling are removed.

[kairojya]

Thanks for the tips, I did it about an hour ago. Went well ... I should be getting the fitting and a line this coming week to see how the threads came out.

The Taka fitting comes in on Monday so I gotta wait and see.

[Monooxide]

Cool cool, keep us updated.

[s14unimog]

OR

just weld on an aluminum AN fitting. You all are making this far more difficult than it has to be.....

[kairojya]

Update:

Taka fitting came in, it's a -3AN just like the fitting from the Circuit Sports kit. I found a local hydraulic place that sells aeroquip fittings and bought what I need for the block side (1/4 NPT to 1/8 NPT bushing, 1/8 NPT to -3AN 90-degree fitting) and now I get to use the SS line from the Circuit Sports kit so that saved some money.

I think it went smoothly, gonna turn over the motor when I get it back in the car without fuel for a few seconds to push a couple pints out the tapped hole and clear out any remaining crap.


OR

just weld on an aluminum AN fitting. You all are making this far more difficult than it has to be.....

I heard a few convincing downsides to this. I was even told this:

once you weld on the block you need to get it heat treated and normalized because there's going to be some weird stresses relieved in it etc from welding. welding on aluminum makes it go dead soft. you always have to re heat treat it for optimal performance after, unless you want it to be soft. the threads will strip out even easier.

That being said I'm glad to have gone the route I did. Assuming it doesnt leak then I will never have to unscrew the fitting into the block ever again. Also with welding I would have had to rent a truck to drive my motor around town to find some place reliable to do it. Would've ended up costing me a lot more money IMO

[s14unimog]

No you dounce... just weld the AN fitting straight to the block. I always pre-heat my aluminum, this is a common practice when dealing with aluminum welding. Its fine, I'm almost sure what you did will work....:goyou:

[kairojya]

We'll see, I got the motor back in last night. Gonna reconnect everything and get all new fluids and see what happens ;).

[Monooxide]

Awesome awesome man. Hope all is well.

[kairojya]

I guess it went well. Car is back together and running, haven't spotted any leaks. Thanks for all the help guys.

[Monooxide]

Saweet! No problem.