How to Properly Install a Heli-Coil (feat. Danny Soliz of Hill Country Performance and Machine)

In this video, Danny teaches me (and you!) how to properly install a Heli-Coil on my 7M head after I stripped an exhaust stud - oops!!!
Tools used in this video:
Helicoil Part # 5543-10 amzn.to/3bB5tav
Thanks so much to Danny Soliz of Hill Country Performance for his idea to do this video, and for taking the time on a Saturday to film this with me!
For more info, find him on Facebook here: / hillcountryperformance
Background Music is "Holding On" by Lakey Inspired: / lakeyinspired
www.pistonsandpixiedust.com
IG: @pistonsandpixiedust
FB: @pistonsandpixiedust

[@henrygonzalez1201]

Danny seems like he's so down to earth, exactly the type of friend everyone truly can have.

[@fastlanecarcarellc3608]

You can tell Danny really loves what he's doing by how fast he starts talking as he gets more and more excited. You both rock!

[@helmet098]

The way he just started drilling tapping and installing like tying his shoes

[@kellywren9215]

Danny and yourself are true treasures of the DIY automotive world. Here you are, willing to spend the time teaching people things they may not know in order to make sure they do it right. That's very rare in the line of work you guys are in, and I love that you guys are doing it. And heli-coils were my friend at one point, I worked on aircraft for my time in the Navy. We used to go through those things like an office goes through paper clips. Seems aircraft manufacturers took forever to get the idea to use them off the bat like some of the automotive world does.

[@mrmajestic8643]

That man is a national treasure.

[@FayeHadley]

He is!

[@Resistculturaldecline]

I grew up around my dad and uncles being machinist/ moldmaker/tool & die makers. In regard to non-cnc, manually operated machines like lathes, milling machines, planers, surface grinders, that's good as it gets. Old school ways that live and die by metallurgy knowledge, angles, micrometers etc. I was always so fascinated by the work and how many hundreds of awesome little tricks and methods they had to get things straight and accurate, sometimes within .0001" People that weren't around that industry thought nothing of it. I like the comments I see on here. How when people actually see it, they appreciate the type people that make the world go round. And for someone who works with machinery like Daniel, a heli-coil is child's play, doesn't even scratch the surface of his know-how. It's something that can easily shown on camera, but to work beside someone like that throughout the day you can really see some neat knowledge and methods.

[@TheSaxon25]

I'll watch you and Danny all day. You guys need at least a weekly video together 👍👍👍👍👍

[@FayeHadley]

I agree!! I'll try to get more, o just don't want to take too much of Danny's time away from his shop, ya know?

[@TheSaxon25]

@@FayeHadley I hear that. He needs his own channel - get him monetized!! Time lapse heads baking I'll watch it! 🍻

[@davidleyva9582]

Danny is so amazing! One of the most knowledgable machinists I've ever seen on KZbin and he's willing to share his knowledge, we are all lucky to be able to learn from him, what a privilege, thank you both, great job, love yall!

[@FayeHadley]

Exactly, I couldn't agree more! Thank you!!!

[@rogerjohnson2515]

I could listen to Danny teach everyday, what a wealth of knowledge. Thank you Faye for another great video, keep 'em coming.

[@Utah48Panda]

Danny: **does magic** Danny: “I’m not really doing anything” Love the series.

[@juliuswolbrueck4609]

Mechanic + machinist + metallurgist = Wizard!!! Now I know where to take my aluminum cylinder heads.

[@GrimRepair]

I don't need to do these often, but it came up, and I remembered this video. Danny is really great, thanks.

[@mike_nunes]

the information Danny is telling everyone is priceless, things you can only learn by experience and not many people would share and keep as a trade secret. Danny seem like one of those guys who have some really entertaining stories after a few drinks. I would definitely have a few drinks with him. great video Faye and Danny!

[@joubess]

Mouth hanging open, eyes glued to the screen! I love these machining videos with Danny! I've always deeply respected machinists because my grandfather worked at Nicholson File from about 1915-1965 making files used mostly for metal machining. Machinists are artists, and so are those who make the tools they use. I hope it never becomes a lost art as computerized machines take over the bulk manufacture of metal parts. I haven't seen anyone since my grandpa wield a file properly until now!!!

[@Kryndon64]

Never used helicoils, mostly because they ain't real popular yet around my parts of the world so you can't really find 'em as easily. But listening to Danny, it sounds (and seems) like they could very well be a great thing to have when you just can't get that darn thread nice and straight!

[@johnaclark1]

This is some great content, Faye. So many machinists are "don't do this at home" type of people and won't show how to do anything other than in their big machines and equipment. Danny shows you how to do it right and do it at home. Great stuff! Last helicoil I did about 6 months ago was on a 97 Ford Probe where the timing belt idler pulley bolt had pulled out of the block. Getting a helicoil in with no clearance between the engine and the frame was quite the task. If it ended up straight it was a miracle but it did go back together.

[@phenomiclord261]

Totally agree. All you need is a good friend with good experience and knowledge to help you out. I used a helicoil in the over head cam to hold the timing chain sprocket for my 22re in a 92 yota truck. Been 20k miles since the repair and everything is good. Great content Faye. Really enjoy your videos

[@projectmustardseed857]

This is the proof you are a journeyman mechanic... " The deference between a Journeyman and a apprentice is that a journeyman can fix their own mistakes" Thank you for sharing ...

[@jumpinjojo]

Project Mustard Seed Difference*

[@projectmustardseed857]

​@@jumpinjojo Thank you, I appreciate the correction. I am the worst speller on the planet... My reliance on spell check is to my own detriment.

[@jumpinjojo]

Project Mustard Seed You’re welcome. Actually, deference is a word, but the usage here is incorrect. I used to be a teacher. I can’t help myself! Lol!!

[@timmcginnis3923]

Two things I was taught on heli-coils from a tool &die maker was to loctite it and to break the tab off in the bottom. Also from the videos I've seen Danny is a very talented and intelligent mechanic/machinist.

[@rhllnm]

You and Danny (plus bbq and tacos) are the reasons I'd return to Texas. Come to New Mexico, no rust!

[@DomManInT1]

When Faye shows up, studs get twisted. LOL

[@FayeHadley]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@monkeyelvis]

We really need a Danny in my neck of the woods. Wizard machinists like him are gold. I could listen to him all day.

[@nickh1114]

Did my first heli-coil today and put the insert one thread down. Thanks Danny and Faye! It took torque and avoided a problem. Super cool product.

[@mr.he-rock-ohh2355]

Faye has the most awesome and genuine laugh! Thanks for all the awesome content!

[@FayeHadley]

:))

[@scottburke4800]

A true master of his craft teaching you and us how it's properly done.

[@LurkMoar101]

Whenever we saw a customer walk into the shop with an RB30 head, you could put money on the fact we'd be fitting helicoils to over half the exhaust stud threads. I enjoyed fitting them however, stronger than standard when done right.

[@jesusmunoz5184]

Faye, thank you for doing these videos with Danny, and thank him for all the info he shares with all of us.

[@mrmagoo9901]

Wow, another excellent presentation. I am loving this series. Thanks!

[@adailyllama4786]

Followed Danny's instruction on helicoil installation. Worked perfectly. Thanks!

[@FayeHadley]

Yay thank you!!!👍🏻

[@stuartebanks3297]

Great video! You really do touch on needed information! And the little chickens are so peaceful! 😊

[@stephenmoxley3004]

Great video, Faye. Thanks for sharing all the different aspects of cylinder head machining and repair. Danny is truly a wizard. Keep up the good work.

[@charles_wipman]

Nice; in Spain we call those blocks with the holes to use as referecence 'plantillas', they're very common and do a good service as one can clearly see.

[@redmesa2975]

That drill block is an awesome idea. Never knew that before. Gonna put that in my foggy brain for the future !

[@FayeHadley]

Right?!? Me too!!!

[@johnwells5314]

Excellant product and tip about filing down at the top where it has been tapped. It never occurred to me to do that when using this product.

[@lembochiproductions6957]

I remember learning about those heli-coils in auto tech school, sure does bring back memories of having fun learning about stuff like this even lab was fun too.

[@wjanis1]

You guys gotta keep this up. These vids are premium.

[@dhshark]

You two have such a cool vibe. Keep these vids coming!

[@matthewcalifana488]

Love you both Danny & Faye ,listen and learn Thanks Great video .

[@Scurops]

This guy is awesome. Thanks for sharing him with us!

[@matolittleelkwells5377]

Awesome stuff Faye and might I add you look absolutely stunning keep rolling those cameras and doing what you do

[@paulmcdonald9592]

Inspirational and so informative. A great team. Thanks, Faye.

[@northernpatriot9078]

Thanks Faye I have not actually used a heli coil yet but now I know how thanks

[@ddk56vw]

The block trick, again mind blowing 🚗🚓😁🤠

[@ginnai]

Really enjoy this series. That said, it is not helping my paranoia about having work done 😱. I guess I'll have to keep watching your videos and do it all myself 👍.

[@nandi0431]

Awsome job guy's really learned some new things about heli-coils that I wasn't aware of

[@witnesszer0]

great mini series of Danny Soliz talking to people with experience you can get great advice

[@WBOS72]

Wow! That was so informative! Great vid Danny & Faye!

[@Roboticdoughbull3k]

Look, at 4:39 onto the next minute he is absolutely correct. Always always use a lubricant and keep backin in and out. Don't cram it in all at once especially without lube. When you are all finished up you can sit back, have a cig and know you never rushed it and she'll be around running like a clock for you, for many years. A lot to be said about doing your task with competence and patience. 🤷💯. Great video Faye and Danny!

[@mikeaho4143]

Great job Faye. Very interesting on the Helicoil and the straightening jig.

[@yogib37]

when I use a tap, I just go 1/4- 1/2 before I back it off. Danny is right ya will break one some day.

[@maingun07]

That's how I've always done it. Use plenty of cutting oil. Half in, quarter back. Back all the way out every two to four full turns and clean. And always be mindful of how much torque you're using. My dad taught me to do it this way. Only broken one tap when I got in a hurry. Never broken a tap doing it dad's way. Yet.

[@A_R912]

Im doing this to my head for new headers. I was having trouble installing the helicoil. Thanks for this

[@FayeHadley]

Awesome!!!

[@A_R912]

What tap handle and driver is that? I had to use an 8mm wrench to tap the head lol.

[@canadianmarauder1923]

Seeing Danny use that alignment block for drilling holes straight was a revelation! Thank you guys. BTW that’s a cool handle for your tap. Looks like 2 of my 3/8 snap on ratchets welded together.

[@eosjoe565]

You can get ready made drill alignment blocks from Amazon (and other places). The one I have goes from 2mm to 16mm. Most even have a groove on the back for centering your drill when drilling something round or on a corner. They are very inexpensive and very handy.

[@danleitner1635]

Wow! We stopped using Heli-Coils 30 years ago. Now we use Time-Serts. A much better repair.

[@clayfist4033]

When I drill and tap a die I always use Vaseline for aluminum head because all the aluminum stays with the Vaseline and it collects into the Vaseline so it won’t won’t have metal shavings all over the place just wanna let you know good video keep up the good work I still want to turn around and be a assistant with you and hold your tools for you and so I can learn something from you you’re doing a very good job thank you😍

[@FayeHadley]

I use axle grease 👍🏻

[@clayfist4033]

Faye Hadley I agree axle grease probably works very well you can ask a lot of other mechanics and they’ll say when you drilling into aluminum yes you can use Vaseline on it not trying to be funny just being another mechanic to another mechanic I’m kind of an old mechanic where are used to do 350 Chevrolet blocks old Chrysler motors owes Mobile GM the newer stuff I always use that Vaseline on Toyotas love Toyota trucks keep up the good work on your videos can’t wait to see your next one thanks 😁

[@nscooz745]

I absolutely love your videos Faye.

[@FayeHadley]

Thank you!!

[@stubi1103]

Thank you Faye and Mr. Soliz......

[@n01z3]

why cant everyone drop knowledge like that. even filing seemed dope af 😎

[@FayeHadley]

Right?!!!!

[@lauributt8023]

Nice to see Danny drilling you're 2 holes, very informative video thumbs up 👍

[@jeremyanthony9300]

Love you Faye. Love your channel. Love your down to personality and your beautiful smile too.

[@maingun07]

Even the youngest pro knows so much more than me. But once in a while I'll know something as an old shade tree that a younger pro doesn't. I already knew to install a Heli-Coil one turn below the surface. So I'm feeling pretty smug as I continue watching. I already know this stuff. Then he breaks out the two piece install tool. Damn. Didn't know about that. Ego properly deflated. Old dog learned something new. Thanks, Faye.

[@FayeHadley]

Haha I loved this comment, thank you!!

[@yowaitwhat]

"You don't have to know how to read to do this" Sold lol, also followed on ig

[@danielsmith-ze3wy]

Great video you lucky to have a friend like Danny

[@mariolastra9709]

Danny is awesome !

[@off-roadteaching3584]

Thank you for this video!!! It was very informative and was great to learn. Adorable chickens by the way! I love your videos

[@Sojourner1981]

Super informative! Thanks for sharing!

[@FayeHadley]

Thank you!!

[@damechanik218]

I personally never use heli-coil I go straight to time-cert. It's far superior. Glad he mentioned it. Love your vids btw!

[@wyattoneable]

Solid information from a man that loves his work. :)

[@FayeHadley]

Absolutely!

[@josephwiendahl9373]

Danny is the man

[@Kurzawaa]

Helicoil are awesome. Last owner stripped the 6mm threads on my water pump and I tossed in a helicoil and it works perfect!

[@robertmullen2480]

thanks Faye you are my kind of girl! good video seeing I did not know how to do this, God bless keep wrenchin lady you rock!!

[@thomassylvestro9041]

Love that guy Awesome video. Thank you

[@bryanwelch2701]

thank you I really enjoyed the video and the lesson

[@zacharypendergrass8353]

Another great video

[@markholtan5696]

Another great video 👍👍

[@georgevaldez1449]

great vid.

[@HandyC]

I usually use a countersink bit to nib off the burr rather than running a file over the face, but either way works sweet. Nice work Faye 👌🏽

[@FayeHadley]

Oh interesting!

[@danmay9728]

Thanks for the video, the best to you always. Be safe. Peace🇺🇸

[@kenwright5372]

Faye and Danny going again go stuff

[@1996turbocamaro]

Good video !! very informative !!

[@AndyTheXTech]

Nice Video ROCKSTAR! 🤘definitely learned some stuff. And yes I’ve broke some taps in heads. I’ve done time starts before in Cadillac engines. Good times.

[@peterclayton4385]

Thank you Faye for these truly informative video series. This is gold dust. Or should I say pixie dust?? ❤️

[@randyperfecto7468]

Love it Faye Danny is so down to earth

[@FayeHadley]

I know, isn't he?! Most people I know with knowledge like his are total arrogant a$$es.

[@paulone-off7286]

Yes I have broken a tap, not a good feeling when it happens. Nice tip with the block to drill straight without a drill press, that I will use next time. Another school day, thanks Faye and Danny :-)

[@FayeHadley]

Thank you!! And yikes! I know my time to break a tap will come...

[@paulone-off7286]

@@FayeHadley fingers crossed it doesn't but if it does, hope it breaks above the surface so you have some chance to remove it ;-)

[@emmalove135]

👍👍 Thank you both VERY, VERY much for your shared knowledge of which wrench this monkey can use on which part and how; including how and what not to do. Your video logs are so VERY informative and saves lots of time, energy and hassles. ( Now, if I could just find a “hassle- free” some something for my son. I believe he needs to pick something, study it, become a “ Master” at it and then move on to the next something to learn “ how to “ and “ Master”. Etc. ) You were right about the radiator cap. 👍👍🌟 ( I love your chicken birds. They are so fluffy and cute.)

[@baggins1]

Great content Faye! This dude rocks hard too

[@HandyC]

I was drilling and speed tapping 316 stainless with a battery drill today, i was waiting for at least one hole to snap the tap as there is no backing off motion to break the swarf, just abuse it straight through in one go 8mm tap in 10mm thick.... so far so good, 🙏🏼🙏🏼I hope tomorrow am as just as lucky. Having a decent (not chinese) tap also helps 👌🏽😂

[@FayeHadley]

True that!!!

[@ihguy2113]

great stuff faye

[@belchnasty]

Danny is a star! I wish he lived near to me.

[@phxamigo]

Faye, thxs for my morning dope!!!!😂

[@farmergirlofchickens8779]

I could hang out with you two all day. You both are excellent at explaining everything including the “why”. Your preening chickies’ heads look like dandelions. My husband and I are enjoying “All Girls Garage”.

[@FixingstuffwithJoe]

We have used them in the aerospace field.

[@farmergirlofchickens8779]

Joseph Jennings are you literally a rocket scientist? Awesome. 🚀

[@FixingstuffwithJoe]

@@farmergirlofchickens8779 Aerospace= Airplanes and Helicopters. Space= Rocket Surgeon. No I am just in the Airplane and their accessories field.

[@farmergirlofchickens8779]

Joseph Jennings, ok that’s good to know...I’m still impressed.

[@ronrabun5441]

Channel is growing 👍

[@justinraymond6411]

Hell yes you are right there and a dam dam great mechanic to she is

[@802Garage]

I haven't broken a tap... Yet! I have broken some easy outs though. That sucks almost as much. Still loving this whole series! Been recommending your channel to a lot of friends. Danny could totally start a quick tips and informational channel if he wanted, hah.

[@garrygilbert4635]

Danny's the man! It would be awesome to do some rebuilds whi him.

[@FayeHadley]

Right?! I feel so blessed!

[@garrygilbert4635]

@@FayeHadley you are! Also, I just stumbled on your channel and it's awesome! I'm an aircraft mechanic and have 2 6yr old daughters yep twins. One love working with here daddy. I can't wait to shower some of your videos.

[@colemcmeans7809]

unfortunately learned how to heil coil as a young man, but now I know how to do it better

[@needmetal3221]

Fantastic idea for a video.

[@FayeHadley]

Thank you! It was Danny's idea when he saw my screw up!😂

[@needmetal3221]

@@FayeHadley if the tapping fluid says "not for aluminum " on the can dont use it. I made that mistake and my cylinder head smoked for 2 days. Some sort of chemical reaction

[@jimzivny1554]

Good video, Danny is right, follow the directions and take your time. Time-Serts are great but not needed everywhere. And chickens!

[@Automotive_Solutions]

Nice vid. Cool editing Faye. 😁

[@ericjudd3137]

You make me want to buy chickens there so cute and the videos are great keep them coming

[@dustyroads204]

Great vid Faye!! 🐔🐔