Water Pump Bolts

[97fxdwg]

My upper-driver's side bolt on the water-pump of my 68 302 feels like its stripped out the threads in the timing chain cover. This is one that goes through and sticks out just a tad. Should I tap a larger thread size or put a smaller diameter bolt through and put a nut on the back. (I think this is the only one where that is an option,)
Thanks.
:SNSign:

 

[smudgie]

I would put the same bolt in the hole and add a nut to the back.. or if it is not long enough replace with one that is the same size just longer and put the nut on the back. This way you have the same strength and it is positioned as it should be.

Good luck.

 

[Rusty67]

Helicoil it man !

 

[Clark]

Make it easy on yourself, Go with the nut

 

[krash kendall]

I have a nut the back of the bolt on my fuel pump from the previous owner's handywork. I hate it. Of course it is in a more inconvenient position than the water pump, but I wish I had noticed it when I had the engine out so I could have Heli-Coil'd it. There just isn't enough room to drill it accurately with the engine in.

 

[97fxdwg]

Thanks

Looking for moderately stock - helicoil it is.:SNSign: