My Murray LT 46" with a 17.5 hp Tecumseh has 2 of the 4 engine bolts stripped out. The engine appears to be an aluminum block. I'm curious to know if it is possible to get some over-size lag-type bolts and torque the (expletive deleted) out of the bolts with fender and lock washers to secure the engine to the frame. There seems to be a slight bit of thread, but not enough for bolts to bite down really secure.
That or use a Helicoil which, IMHO, would be a better option as you're not tightening on aluminum. If you do go with the oversize tapped hole, use some blue Loctite, it'll stop the bolts from loosening.
Best option if possible, would be what Bosox said, nut and bolt............Mike
There's only one bolt hole that I can go in and through; the other 3 are just in to the block, and I agree, that's a good option, I can at least get one of the 4 holes really snug and secure. I considered the blue loctite, as well, but wasn't sure how it'd hold up to the heat of the engine; not that it'd hurt to put it in at any rate. I was *really* hoping to avoid the helicoil route, partially because of working 60-ish hours a week (logging trucker), extra messing around with junk is, well, off putting. I'd consider repowering the mower if all else fails.
A shop mechanic at work mentioned oversize self tapping bolts, that might be more appropriate.
Then there's getting a new bearing for a floppy pulley and a couple belts on. Luckily I got the yard done went the motor decided to start flopping around on the frame.
I had to use Helicoils on a Kohler on an STX 38 one time that someone had forced standard thread bolts up into the metric holes.
You might get by with a slightly larger self tapping threaded bolt to go in. But the best way is to use the thread inserts and then don't over torque them and strip them out in the future. They do need to be plenty tight because I often find them loosened up but I find with a 3/8 drive ratchet you have to push them almost as hard as you can to strip them out so just don't use a big half inch ratchet or an impact you should be okay.
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