# Over tighten bolts on starter and ruined threat

**URL:** <https://community.cartalk.com/t/over-tighten-bolts-on-starter-and-ruined-threat/123334>\
**Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\
**Tags:** civic, honda\
**Created:** [August 20, 2018, 9:42pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/over-tighten-bolts-on-starter-and-ruined-threat/123334 "2018-08-20T21:42:35Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 5\
**Page:** 1

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Morris\_Castillo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/838e76/32.png) [@Morris\_Castillo](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Morris_Castillo)\
**Post date:** [August 20, 2018, 9:42pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/over-tighten-bolts-on-starter-and-ruined-threat/123334/1 "2018-08-20T21:42:35Z")

</div>

Hey I’m new to this but I need advice. I unfortunately ruined the threats on my starter. I believe they bolt to the engine block. Is there a way I can fix this or I have to get a whole new block.  
I have a Honda Civic 1998 dx 1.6L automatic.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Mustangman](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/mustangman/32/44130_2.png) [@Mustangman](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Mustangman)\
**Post date:** [August 20, 2018, 9:46pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/over-tighten-bolts-on-starter-and-ruined-threat/123334/2 "2018-08-20T21:46:24Z")

</div>

You can use a **thread** inset such as a Heli-Coil or similar to repair it. They sell these online and at the auto parts store. They should include a drill bit, a tap to make special threads for the insert, the inserts, and a tool to install them. They usually don’t include a tap handle. You will, of course, need a clear path the the damaged bolt hole for the drill and tap. Find a video and watch how its done. Good Luck

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Morris\_Castillo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/838e76/32.png) [@Morris\_Castillo](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Morris_Castillo)\
**Post date:** [August 20, 2018, 9:49pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/over-tighten-bolts-on-starter-and-ruined-threat/123334/3 "2018-08-20T21:49:53Z")

</div>

Will I have to take down my transmission? Things is I just put it back just wondering is I can fix it with the tranny on but I think not?

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Tester](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/tester/32/15976_2.png) [@Tester](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Tester)\
**Post date:** [August 20, 2018, 9:52pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/over-tighten-bolts-on-starter-and-ruined-threat/123334/4 "2018-08-20T21:52:19Z")

</div>

Parts stores sell thread restoring kits.  
[http://c.shld.net/rpx/i/s/i/spin/image/spin\_prod\_206508001?hei=333&wid=333&op\_sharpen=1](http://c.shld.net/rpx/i/s/i/spin/image/spin_prod_206508001?hei=333&wid=333&op_sharpen=1)

These kits don’t cut new threads. But instead roll the damaged threads to their original shape.

Tester

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Morris\_Castillo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/838e76/32.png) [@Morris\_Castillo](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Morris_Castillo)\
**Post date:** [August 20, 2018, 9:55pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/over-tighten-bolts-on-starter-and-ruined-threat/123334/5 "2018-08-20T21:55:10Z")

</div>

Thank you so much for your advice and quick answer guys. Hopefully I can fix it because if it was a very difficult task my dad would have killed me