"because of a friend who works for GM. He really insisted that the TimeSert is stronger" I`ll vote with your friend on this. Not so much in recent yrs but late 90s -ahh 04 best I remember the studs that hold the heads on would pull the threads on many a Northstar engine. Timesert was and still is the best fix in these situations. Have a good 1 WP

 

I'll post photos tonight, but the install of the TimeSert was flawless. The kit did come with the tap guide, all the necessary tooling, and 5 inserts for $108 off eBay. I just got the new head gaskets today, so I'll be assembling tonight.
Watch for more info!

 

Best of luck on your repair, I'm sure it'll be fine,

For my situation, after thinking about it for a day, I went totaly against my grain and pulled the engine and sent it back to Harley to get remaned.

I just bought the bike for very cheap and spent many hours cleaning, polishing and buffing, rebuilt forks, repaired anti-dive, neck bearings, wheel bearings, primary chain and guide, new radio, removed a big pile of old tech cruise and radio/cb controls, servo, modules, wire harness. Installed chrome switch housings without radio switches, added throttle friction (best, simplest trouble free cruise contol), canned the cruise and PTT switches, replaced with plain clamps.

With 62,000 on the clock and long trips planned, the bike now seems worthy of a new engine and (hopefully) the peace of mind that comes with a new engine with warranty.

 

You won`t see helicoils on jet engines any more, at least the ones I have worked on for the past 36 years. I have seen some Keenserts used on some external components, but most threaded inserts are proprietary parts. On rotating parts it will always be a nut and bolt (tie rod).

Speaking of cylinder hold down studs, I have been lucky with my Evo, the studs are still holding good at 135,000 miles, just completed a top end rebuild. When I tore the engine down I was fully expecting some of the studs to loosen as the head bolts were untorqued, but they held tight.

 

Ok guys, the photos didn't turn out too well. I guess an old camera just can't focus that close.
Take my word for it, the TimeSert is one hell of a strong unit. It looks like a piece out of one of my rifles. Solid steel, one thread cut on the OD and one on the ID.
All reassembled smoothly and now I'm waiting on weather for a test ride. I'll keep you posted!

 

Waiting on weather? Get out there and get wet you know you wanna.