Help! Exhaust stud pulled

[tamson]

Hi guys, I need some advice please on an exhaust manifold stud problem. An exhaust stud came loose and actually dropped out on my way home from work today. The van attracted even more bewildered looks than normal.The same stud has worked it's way out before but in this instance there doesn't seem to be much, if any thread left to screw back into. Helicoil is probably my best bet but I was wondering if anybody new of a quick temporary fix as I really need the van this weekend?! Thanks

[fairwynds]

Clean the hole out with aerosol carb cleaner, ensuring you get all traces of grease out. Use a nozzle tube like you get on WD40 cans, to get right in there. WEAR EYE PROTECTION etc! The cleaning fluid will evaporate leaving a clean hole. Now use a thin piece of wire or similar to make a little L shaped tool, and use it to 'feel' how much thread is left and what condition is. Assuming you are going to have to get this helicoled at some point, you can now effect a temporary (quite permanent actually!) repair using ' Chemical Metal' putty or similar. Check you get the product suited to heat.....! Now smear a little around inside the hole, and fill the thread recesses of a NEW exhaust stud before refitting it (use two nuts tightened against each other to make a 'bolt' so you can get the stud all the way in). Leave for required time, maybe 24 hrs, and hey presto!
Hope this makes sense, it's late!

[tamson]

Thanks very much, the other half will be pleased! Halfords and eurocarparts on way home from work tonight for me! Thanks again.