Timesert update

A few months ago , I started to rebuild my 4.0 and had to stop because I quit my job. Im back on track now. I also found that my engine had been rebuilt in the recent past but did not get timeserts , so the mechanic wasted his time. For those who dont remember me , my 4.0 overheated at highway speeds. The timesert kit cost $350.00 direct from timesert. So far the parts I need are another $750.00 , but I dont have to buy everything because I can reuse some of the existing parts.

How did you like the 4.0 when it was running? I hear they are pretty nice Cosworths.

When it was running , It had a lot of power for a small v8. I cant wait to start it up again.

Hey!

How did you manage to get them from Timesert? I talked with them just today and the guy I spoke with sent me to the distributor who wanted $475 which is about $140 over what the Timesert guy said I should expect to pay!

How soon will you be done with the kit? I'd consider buying from you and then replace the certs...

Because of time limits , I will be done in about 2 weeks. Im not sure if I will sell it because my father-in-law has a caddy with a 4.9. I will have to check and see if it will work with that motor. If not , I might get rid of it .

To answer your question , I just called timesert direct and they sold it to me. It may have something to do with location. There wasnt a distributor near me.

Just curious since I have the 3.5 this probably does not pertain to me,but what is a timesert??

Just looking for some education as I have never heard of this term before.

Marc

Just curious since I have the 3.5 this probably does not pertain to me,but what is a timesert??

Just looking for some education as I have never heard of this term before.

Marc

On the aluminium engine housings, the steel threads of the bolts and the aluminium react against each other and when removing the bolts, the threads will pull out.
There is a tool called a Timesert that is used to replace the threads with an insert.

Thanks.

When I was tightening the main bolts , the threads pulled out of the block on 2 main bolts. Instead of ordering timeserts I used metric helicoil inserts and they worked fine. Based on the torque spec ,they torque at about 40 lbs and helicoils are ok at that torque. The heads require timeserts.I should be able to start it in a few days. I ordered a new oil pump it should be here tomorrow.

I beleive the correct term is a keensert not timesert

Timesert is the correct name for the headbolt repair. Timesert is what GM garages use to fix their blocks.Here is the info if anyone needs it.
www.timesert.com/html/gm.html

Finally running and on the road. Nice car but I wouldnt recommend anyone buying an aurora at a low price and fixing the head gasket problem .This is alot of labor and expense. To rebuild the 4.0 myself cost me about $1800. Add that to the purchase price and you get $3300 for a 96 aurora. Now I have a misfire during acceleration that I need to figure out. Any ideas???

I wonder why GM can't have their engine manufacturers, install inserts in aluminum blocks, for the head bolts. Before they are installed in their cars. You think they know sooner or later, those bolts are going to fail. And they or one of their dealers get to make money. By selling you a new or rebuilt engine.

To answer the question. From what I hear , the head bolts dont cause a problem until you pass 100k miles .That is way beyond warranty. Plus they have timesert kits for Hondas too. I just changed my wires and plugs and the miss is gone. Now I have to fix the air cond.

To answer the question. From what I hear , the head bolts dont cause a problem until you pass 100k miles .That is way beyond warranty. Plus they have timesert kits for Hondas too. I just changed my wires and plugs and the miss is gone. Now I have to fix the air cond.
WRONG! Mine started going away at only 66k mi. First symptom was blowing small amounts of coolant and exhaust gases into and out of the recovery tank, without overheating. Only under WOT or pulling a hill. I drove it like this for two years with it getting progressively worse. Having to carry two gallons of premixed coolant and rags everywhere we drove it. At 88k I couldn't take it down the street without getting hot, which leads into my 'Got a New Crate Engine Installed' thread.

Im just an owner, not an expert. But I do agree that GM should have put the inserts into the northstar during assembly .

It had a lot of power for a small v8. I cant wait to start it up again.thread insert (http://www.xhcljx.com/eng),helicoil (http://www.xhcljx.com/eng) (http://www.xhcljx.com/eng)

those bolts are going to fail. And they or one of their dealers get to make money.thread insert (http://www.xhcljx.com/eng) helicoil (http://www.xhcljx.com/eng)