MOPED ARMY

Are the studs stripped or where they screw into the block stripped out?

You'll probably should remove the head and cylinder to repair the stud holes, it's no big deal if you take your time. I don't know what this JD Weld stuff is, sounds like it some kind of epoxy metal repair, but it didn't work.

The heli-coil is the way to go, but you'll have to remove the studs from that JD junk, put a double locked nut on the top of stud so you can get a wrench on it. You'll have to buy/borrow a propane torch to heat up the JD Weld, that should get the studs out, then install the heli-coils by the instructions, you may need a tap and die set to clean up the studs and hole.

If this sounds too involved, check out a machine shop or MC repair shop, but hang in there, I'm sure you'll get more ideas posted on this problem.

The next time you consider JD, make sure it's in a bottle and is from Tennessee.

jimmiegimme

Miguel,

USE HELICOILS USE HELICOILS USE HELICOILS USE HELICOILS

What you are doing with JB weld is very temporary, if it works at all.

Take a stud to the local auto parts or good hardware store and buy a helicoil kit, it is not that expensive. You may need to buy extra coils as some kits come with two of each length.

A helicoiled repair is much better than the original and will outlast the rest of the ped.

Just make sure you do not get metal shavings in the crank case and that the coils you use are not longer than the original thread if it is a through hole.

Use rags in the crank case opening and put heavy grease on the drill and tap, this will keep most of the small metal pieces attached so you can wipe them off.

I want your next post to tell us how the helicoiling went.

I am wagging my finger at you furiously Miguel, USE HELICOILS. :-)

Ron

......Oh.... Miguelllllll................ Yer gonna give Ron an ulllllllllllllcer!

I suppose you could get a new "block' or set of cases for a Minarelli.

.................................But there is no need to.

And, it would cost a few buck$....($300??)

And you would still have to remove/replace/reinstall a lot of stuff.

Take 30 minutes at a desk with a phone book and call every

moped shop

motorcycle shop

and lawnmower shop

in the book and simply ask them "I need to find somebody who will install 4 heli-coils in my moped engine ... they are small ones and they are very easy access... Do you do that kind of work?"... If they say ....No... Ask them if they know somebody who does.

try those... if they won't do it

try

auto garages

and machine shops

Some of them will treat you badly because mopeds get no respect... Just expect that.

And expect to pay bout $100 or so.

There has got to be somebody local who can do that... It is not that difficult... If I lived 30 miles from you... I would come over and do it..... but....

Thanks Fred,

Maybe between the two of us we can get his attention. :-)

Ron

Dave,

Don't sweat it. We are not really mad at Miguel, just trying to get his attention.

Once you have used helicoils, you will never look back. You will find yourself helicoiling threads in aluminum just in case they go bad some day. :-)

Ron

Thanks all, Fred, Ron, Ree ... you guys are awesome sources of information and help. Well, I left the ped w/ "Moped Bill", the repair guru of the Moped Army and we're going to use helicoils (which he suggested, too!). I think he can do it right. If not ... we'll see. If you want to come, Ree, you're more than welcome. I'm a bit busy the early part of the weekend, but maybe we can work something out. But I'm pretty sure Bill can get it ... man, I so hope so! I want to ride NOW!!

Also, for future reference ... I have an Italian parts connection in Italy. Super cheap and very good. Let me know if you ever need anything. He got me a complete carb for $28 (shipping included!).

OK, I'm going for a whole replacement engine. Not to worry, my Italian connection is sending it for only a hundred. So that should work out fine in the end.

I'll take the old engine and use try to tap the helicoils when I have the tools/time. At worst, I can have a spare engine for a future moped, eh?

Thanks for all the help. I'm sure my Bianch will be up and running soon enough.