DennisB DenLorsTools.com © Summary: Toyota’s with the 2.4 four cylinder engine have a common issue of blown head gaskets because of the aluminum threads in the block failing for the head bolts. The middle three or four in the back of the head are usually the weak point, which can become stripped. However, we recommend repairing all ten holes to prevent having a repeat head gasket failure due to stripped threads or pulled threads. This also prevents the possibility of the threads failing during the torque process right after putting the new gasket and head back on the block. This can be very frustrating and has happened to our customer’s more than once! Vehicle’s affected are the Toyota Camry, Rav4, Scion, Highlander with the M11x1.5mm head bolts. The repair system that we recommend, the Time Sert 2200 can also be used in any engine that has M11x1.5mm threads because it is a universal kit which can be used on different hole depths.

Question – Which thread repair kit is best when repairing the head bolt threads on a Toyota with a 2.4L engine?

Answer – We sell the Helicoil 1130, however the best repair and the one that Toyota recommends when performing warranty work is the Time Sert 2200 Head Bolt Thread Repair Kit.

Question – Why do I have to buy the entire kit since I only need to repair 3 or 4 holes?

Answer – There is a reason and specific purpose for every component in the kit. When doing one, all ten or any number in between, every piece in the kit will be used to properly install the insert (or inserts).

Question – I’ve heard of Time Serts failing on a You Tube video. How do I know that the Time Sert 2200 (at DenLorsTools.com) is the best repair for my car?

Answer – You will find varying opinions and experiences online. It’s our opinion that in the rare case that a Time Sert insert fails, it’s because of an error made in the installation. For instance, not completing the driver installation process before removing the driver. Also, permanent Loctiting the head bolt threads may cause the entire insert to be removed on the next time the head bolts are taken out.

Question – How are the inserts held in?

Answer – The inserts are held in with permanent Loctite #266 which is included in the kit. They are also held in from the bottom when the installation driver cold rolls and expands the insert at the bottom locking it into place.

Question – Can I buy just a tap and an insert?

Answer – As we stated before, there’s a reason for every piece in the kit, so we wouldn’t be doing you any favor by selling you just enough tooling to set you up for failure. We can however sell replacement tooling to previous customers that have worn tools out in a kit they already own. We also have bulk pricing on the 11155 inserts for machine shops and repair shops that need them.

Question – Will the Time Sert 2200 work if I had a previous Heli Coil repair fail?

Answer – No. An oversized repair will be needed, it’s called the time Sert 2200BS. The BS stands for Big Sert and that is Time Sert’s designation for OVERSIZE.

Question – If I use the oversized Time Sert 2200BS kit, will I need larger head bolts?

Answer – No. The inside diameter is the same M11x1.5 so the original size bolts are used.

Question – Can I use the Time Sert 2200 on any other cars besides the Toyota Camry?

Answer – Yes. The Time Sert 2200 thread repair kit is a universal set. It can be used on any cars with M11x1.5 head bolts. The depth can be marked on the tooling which allows it to be used on other applications with the M11x1.5. The list is long, including all Toyota’s like Rav4, Scion, Highlander, some Honda’s and even Cadillac Northstar engines.

Question – Does the engine have to come out to do this repair?

Answer – No. The repair is done right in the vehicle, so there’s no need to remove the block. If your mechanic has suggested removing the block and sending to a machine shop, please give them our phone number and we’ll be happy to talk with them about our kit (800-524-9783).

Question – Why did Toyota use aluminum for their block instead of good old cast iron?

Answer – Aluminum is very prevalent in all cars now for blocks, heads and many other components to reduce overall vehicle weight in order to increase gas mileage. The US government requirements mandate that MPG (miles per gallon) be increased so much every year. Reducing over-all vehicle weight is one way to achieve this.

Question – Do you rent Timesert kits?

Answer – NO. We considered renting them at one time and decided against it. One drawback of renting this type of tool out is wear and tear from many different users on the tooling. The tooling might be rented out hundreds of times which would obviously result in wear. They would most likely be rented by DIYers, since professional techs would be more inclined to purchase their own. Using badly worn tooling on your engine block may result in a failure of the insert to hold. For instance, if a worn driver is used it could possibly damage the threads or not expand the insert fully, resulting in it not being locked in properly.

Question – I see these kits all over the place on the Internet for sale. They are  all listed for the same price. Do they ever go on sale?

Answer – The reason Time Sert kits are all the same price no matter where you look is because of MAP requirements from the manufacturer, MAP stands Minimum Advertised Pricing. We at DenLorsTools.com and WiseAutoTools.com offer extra value in the Time Sert 2200 kits that we sell by providing free next day shipping. If you would rather take a discount and receive free ground shipping call us for daily specials that we cannot advertise (WiseAutoTools.com 800-734-8665 or DenLorsTools.com 800-524-9783).

Question – What makes DenLorsTools.com and WiseAutoTools.com qualified to answer questions on head bolt thread repair?

Answer – Our questions are answered by Dennis Bandy, a master tech with over 30 years hands on experience working on cars and light trucks. Other online companies may not have the experience necessary to provide helpful, information related to the application and correct use of the Time Sert product line. We work hard everyday, to provide that little extra, that helps set us apart from other sellers that would be just as happy selling brooms or other widgets to make a dollar. We don’t sell on Amazon or eBay, because we don’t want to spread our customer service too thin. We truly appreciate your business.

The Time Sert 2200 kits are available at both of our websites, DenLorsTools.com and WiseAutoTools.com (Time Sert 2200). If there any questions not covered here, please comment below and Dennis will answer quickly. Just need to purchase? Please visit one of our websites or give us a call.