The thread locker/JB weld attempt did not work. It is basically fully stripped out now. I am getting ready to get this stripped belt tensioner bolt fixed on the 99 606 of my fathers. My current plan is to repair it with the cover in place with a time sert. These things are expense and the kit for this is $258. bolt is M18x1.5 btw. Of course that includes 5 inserts. I am planning on having to possibly remove the radiator and condenser. Doing that the timing chain is right behind the hole so would have to mark the depth on the drill bit so I know how far I can go.


Pricing a new cover, its around $193 for a new cover from various MB parts dealers online. Should I attempt to repair the threads or just bite the bullet and start pulling the front of the engine apart? I assume water pump, vacuum pump, pulley, alternator bracket, ps pump and bracket, crank pulley? What else would have to come off. Is it removable without pulling the head and oil pan?