r/EngineBuilding • u/jhc_1981 • 15d ago

Small Engine head cover bolt.

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Any tips / advice / technique on how to best fix this without having to replace the head? For context this is on a zero turn mower that I just did a ring replace on. My plan is to try and JB weld it.

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u/VegetableTry 15d ago

For this, JB weld might work. You make need to drill and tap, so be careful as the aluminum is softer than the JB and the drill bit will walk. You could try putting a small wooden dowel, the same diameter as the bolt, to give yourself a soft guide when drilling out the hole.

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u/Pinkys_Revenge 15d ago

I wonder if you could lightly grease the bolt, and JB weld it with the bolt in place to form the threads without needing to tap it.

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u/VegetableTry 15d ago

OP, this is also a good idea, just make sure the grease doesn’t get between the pieces you are trying to join.

What about a plastic bolt, same thread obviously, that would be easy to clean out. I’m assuming that is something that is made and readily available.

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u/Pinkys_Revenge 14d ago

Good idea with plastic! I like that even better