Help with Banks Turbo problem!
 

Does anyone know where I can get some thread inserts for the exhaust side of the turbo casting.

This is a twin turbo setup on a sbc. It has four 3/8 16 bolts, holding the heat shields, and connecting the down tubes. When taking it apart to replace gaskets, one of the inserts broke loose. It is has a spot TIG welded on the back side to keep it from turning.

It appears to be a carbon steel insert. It has 3/8 16 thread on the inside and 1/2 20 thread on the outside.

Talking to Banks, they said the turbos come with the inserts in them. I called a Garrett supplier and they don't know of any inserts in the turbo's. Fastenal has a insert, but it is 9/16 12 outside thread. I resist drilling out the holes if I can put the same size insert back in.

With the heat shield in place, there is no way to access the back side for using a bolt with nut, so it must have fixed threads in the turbo housing.

Anyone out there have the magic answer?????

Thanks in advance for your help...

http://www.mcmaster.com/ has a very good selection. Search under thread inserts. I did see the 3/8-16 threads but it had 1/2-13 not 1/2-20. However, there are several pages of inserts there. Take a look or give them a call.

Jody

Is this a non-keyed style insert?

McMaster sells a non-keyed stainless insert, 3/8-16 internal thread x 1/2-20 external thread, p/n 94165A451. It has a nylon locking patch on it but you would have to remove that and apply a tackweld.

I haven't had any luck at my normal suppliers for a threaded insert matching those specs, looking to see if it may be covered in an MS/NAS aircraft spec right now but don't think I'll have any luck as most MS/NAS stuff is fine thread.

Worst case, a guy with a lathe and some barstock could make you one in just a few minutes (even quicker if he started with some 1/2-20 threaded rod.)

I'll ask my friend tommorrow, I think he had the same issue with that kit (among others), can't remember how he fixed it. We both figured the inserts came from Banks as if I remember correctly they are needed because of the chrome turbo covers....so why would they come from garret that way? not like a guy would ever get conflicting info from banks...no that that never happens :willy:

I just realized that the title of this thread makes it look like I am having a "Banks" problem. That is not the case. My Banks experience has been nothing short of fantastic. :bow:

Thanks guys for the info. I had passed by the stainless one in the McMaster's because of the nylon plug in the picture. I just assumed that it was for a low temp application. It looks like the stainless one would do the trick. It is the correct size.

The funny thing was, while I was out chasing all over town looking for one of these inserts, my partner made one up on the lathe. I will still order some from McMaster's, to have them on hand for future gasket changes.

Lateral-g has become a major source of knowledge. Thanks, Scott. :hail:


.

Thanks, Del! Glad to have you on board. :thumbsup: You should post pics of what you're doing with the twin turbos. :bow: