Unofficial Royal Enfield Community Forum

Royal Enfield Motorcycles => Bullet Iron Barrel => Topic started by: clay on May 01, 2013, 10:20:05 pm

Title: Point plate thread repair
Post by: clay on May 01, 2013, 10:20:05 pm
Well I striped the top hole that holds my point plate. So I ordered the repair kit.
http://nfieldgear.com/enfield-store/distributor-points-thread-repair-kit.html (http://nfieldgear.com/enfield-store/distributor-points-thread-repair-kit.html) But it came with no instructions.Its not like I have taped a lot of holes. So my question is do I need to drill the hole out first? and if so what size drill? The kit only came with 2 screws and a tap.
Title: Re: Point plate thread repair
Post by: mrunderhill1975a on May 01, 2013, 10:37:30 pm
See the description from Rick Sperko at the thread below:

http://www.enfieldmotorcycles.com/forum/index.php/topic,16176.msg175781.html#msg175781

http://www.enfieldmotorcycles.com/forum/index.php/topic,2802.msg28754.html#msg28754

The instructions on that thread indicate that the tap can be done without drilling but you must be very careful to keep the tap perpendicular to case.
Title: Re: Point plate thread repair
Post by: clay on May 01, 2013, 11:45:58 pm
Thanks got it but its a tad crooked.I searched for that thread but could not find it.
Title: Re: Point plate thread repair
Post by: Arizoni on May 02, 2013, 12:14:16 am
The important thing to know about tapping a thread into a hole is you don't just screw the tap in.
If you do, it will often lock up and break off in the hole.

The proper way to screw the tap in is to first make sure it is pointed exactly in the direction of the hole.
Then, applying a light pressure to force it to start into the hole, rotate it about 2 to 3 turns.
Then, turn it about 1/2 turn backwards.  Stop turning it.  Turn it so it again screws into the hole until you feel resistance.
Then, turn it into the hole another 1 to 1 1/2 turns.  Back it up 1/2 turn.  Screw it in until resistance is felt and then turn it in another 1 to 1 1/2 turns.  Back it out.......

Keep this up until the thread is formed to the depth desired.

The reason for this backing it out routine is as the tap is cutting it is making metal chips.
By backing the tap off 1/2 turn it will break off these chips and allow them to fall free of the cutting edges.

When tapping aluminum about any light weight oil will lubricate the tap but if you are threading steel use a "thread cutting oil" that is specifically made for this.  The oil contains sulfur and a few other things to keep the steel chips from welding themselves to the tap causing it to break.