Need some Chinese scooter help! Possibly stripped threads.

[deevergote]

My friend has an old Tank scooter that we're trying to revive.
I changed the oil and spark plug with little issue. When I got to the transmission drain bolt, I got distracted... and forgot to set the ratchet to loosen. Since the bolt was upside down, I cranked HARD on it... and damaged the threads in the transmission housing. I got the fluid drained and the bolt back in, but it's not terribly tight. It's not leaking fluid, but I'm afraid it might come loose when he's riding.

Now, this is a funky design. I'm not sure a slightly oversized bolt is going to be available. I don't know if loctite is going to hold up to the heat.
This scooter was barely worth the $1500 he paid for it (new) back in 2008, so taking the transmission off to have the threads properly repaired, or the casing replaced, really isn't worth the time, money, or effort.

I figured I'd ask you guys if you had any advice for me. We really just need to get the bike road-worthy for the rest of the year... until he gets his Elio.

[evil_demon_01]

Does it torque up without pulling threads? Should only need about 15-20 ft/lbs.
If it does I wouldn't worry.

If the threads are badly damaged and it won't torque up, just weld a nut (of the same size and the bolt) on top of the stripped thread.

[oni_cb7]

I actually bought one of these and sold it for a profit. I had to do so much research on this thing to actually figure anything out. However, it is one of the BEST Chinese scooters, for what that's worth.

I definitely agree with evil_demon_01, it should be fine if you can torque it down.

And for the loctite, just make sure to get the high temp loctite. It will hold up for that bolt.

[illinois_erik]

easy cheap fix.

[deevergote]

When I turn it, there's some resistance, but not much.
I'll probably try loctite to be safe. Thanks!

[GhostAccord]

What does it look like? Is there any meat around the existing threads? it doesn't take much to tap it out to a larger thread if that is necessary. I do it all the time.

With the casing on the transmission it is a bit harder and will require a bit more patience in keeping any aluminum shavings from entering the casing.

[deevergote]

It's under the bike, which is on its kickstand, so I wasn't able to really look at it. I only went by feel. I suppose tapping would be an option.

[RyanD]

What about a heli coil?

[deevergote]

Could work. That was one of my original thoughts. Not sure how to use it, though... and this is a very small bolt. 10mm head, and probably about 1/3 long.