Loose engine bolts

C

Cfs

Well-Known Member
I am helping a neighbor with a 30 inch Ex mark ECX80GKA3000. The engine bolts have loosened up and do not seem to stay tightened. I have been researching the issue and it see.s like it is fairly common. The wear to the base of the Kawasakj FJ180V is so severe that I will have to pull the engine and install helicoils I am hoping that someone has had a similar experience and can help me.
The bolts are a special Taptite style 3/8 x 16 x 1.25 inches part number 95-1727. The bolts are special shape almost a three sided and are designed to cut threads into the holes in an un-threaded aluminum engine base. My question is this...if I install helicoils can these bolts be used? Since it he will not be threading into aluminum but into steel helm oil threads. Would I be better served to get grade 8 bolts 3/8 x16x1.25 to s few into the helicoils? Maybe the thread cutting shape and nature of the Tap tie bolts would not mesh well with the steel helicoil threads? Any and all input welcome
CFS
 
Heli-coil or Time Sert. You can determine which would be better. You will need to use new bolts that match the insert that you choose.
 
Taptite bolts are a one-time use self-tapping design with unconventional threads. Manufacturers use them for engine mount bolts and blade mandrels. They are intended to help speed up initial factory assembly.

My advice is to install heli-coil threads with red Loctite (let it cure) to keep them secured, then install quality grade 8 bolts with a star type lock washers.
 
Auto Doc's said:
Taptite bolts are a one-time use self-tapping design with unconventional threads. Manufacturers use them for engine mount bolts and blade mandrels. They are intended to help speed up initial factory assembly.

My advice is to install heli-coil threads with red Loctite (let it cure) to keep them secured, then install quality grade 8 bolts with a star type lock washers.
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Plan B: Install slightly smaller diameter grade 5 or better bolts that are longer so you can secure with a bolt and nut and Loctite. Essentially not concerned with the stripped threads because now you are using a bolt and nut to tighten.
 
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ECX180GKA30000

Personally I first clean up the engine mounting pads, tap to 1/2-13, install grade 8 serrated flange head screws, and torque to specs. Of course the engine deck holes may need a slight enlargement. Use Blue Loctite for extra resistance to loosening. It works on the FX850 on a JD ZTR that is used commercially here.

Besides tri-lobe screws are only holding on three points on the circumference where a standard thread holds the complete circumference of the screw.

Of course its your choice of how to proceed...Just another option.
 
Cfs said:
I am helping a neighbor with a 30 inch Ex mark ECX80GKA3000. The engine bolts have loosened up and do not seem to stay tightened. I have been researching the issue and it see.s like it is fairly common. The wear to the base of the Kawasakj FJ180V is so severe that I will have to pull the engine and install helicoils I am hoping that someone has had a similar experience and can help me.
The bolts are a special Taptite style 3/8 x 16 x 1.25 inches part number 95-1727. The bolts are special shape almost a three sided and are designed to cut threads into the holes in an un-threaded aluminum engine base. My question is this...if I install helicoils can these bolts be used? Since it he will not be threading into aluminum but into steel helm oil threads. Would I be better served to get grade 8 bolts 3/8 x16x1.25 to s few into the helicoils? Maybe the thread cutting shape and nature of the Tap tie bolts would not mesh well with the steel helicoil threads? Any and all input welcome
CFS
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Well I pulled the engine and the frame that it sits on is cracked at one of the three bolt holes. Another bolt hole has a chunk of metal broken off like a bite taken out of it so its not a anything the engine could mount to. The third bolt hole has been gouged to about 1/2 of its normal thickness, from the engine shaking and scraping from being loose! Looks like the upper frame costs $225. Everything attaches to it, handles height adjusters, transmission etc. Seems like it would be a hellacius job to replace it. The engine was leaking oil at the filter base. Owner is not wanting to spend on getting the helicoils installed and the frame replaced on this older machine. Does anyone have any experience at replacing the frame? Would I be foolish to try to replace the frame. if I dId what kind of price would it most likely sell for?


ng oil
 
Cfs said:
Well I pulled the engine and the frame that it sits on is cracked at one of the three bolt holes. Another bolt hole has a chunk of metal broken off like a bite taken out of it so its not a anything the engine could mount to. The third bolt hole has been gouged to about 1/2 of its normal thickness, from the engine shaking and scraping from being loose! Looks like the upper frame costs $225. Everything attaches to it, handles height adjusters, transmission etc. Seems like it would be a hellacius job to replace it. The engine was leaking oil at the filter base. Owner is not wanting to spend on getting the helicoils installed and the frame replaced on this older machine. Does anyone have any experience at replacing the frame? Would I be foolish to try to replace the frame. if I dId what kind of price would it most likely sell for?


ng oil
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Weld ‘er up!
 
I don't have any good advice on the repair, but I have a Kohler engine that did the same thing. 4 engine mounts. 3 of them were stripped when I bought it. I helicoil'ed them.
 
I frown on using grade 8 bolts. Try to drill one out and you will know why. Grade 5 is more than gundy for mower engine bolts. Use what you like.

Cfs said:
Owner is not wanting to spend on getting the helicoils installed and the frame replaced on this older machine.
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His machine but the older ones are built better. New mowers to me, are junk. Hydros and EFI nonsense.

I agree with Tiger Small Engine. Weld her up. Or throw on a thicker plate of steel and drill new holes. Beef it up so it won't crack again. Guy probably has an $1800 cell phone cruising in a $120,000 F350 dually Platinum.
 
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