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Originally Posted by engatwork
I am going to have to respectfully disagree with you dieseldiehard. I have always used a bottom tap to chase the threads followed by blowing them out and then using new bolts. In my opinion, the correct size tap on good threads should not remove any metal - just clean it up.
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OK I concede, engatwork!
experienced mechanics are excepted and can use a tap wherever they see the need. I was sorta addressing the avg shirtsleeve weekend mechanic (like myself!) at least I would know better than remove metal unless the threads were flattened and a bolt was dragging. Remember the thing we are talking about initially is an engine block, an E300D if someone cross threaded a tap accidentally then we are talking some deep helicoil or something to repair it and that isn't something I would want in my block, thank you!
So I'll restate it that if you have the right tap (bottoming tap) and find the threads are gunked badly or something, it's not a bad idea to run a tap thru them CAREFULLY.
I saw what a tap used incorrectly can do to open up threads to the point they don't grab properly on a head (exhaust studs) as some fellow must have used a plug tap I suppose.
I recently cleaned the holes in my 603 block using a thin bottle type brush with short stiff bristles, the right brush in not easy to find but it will remove gunk from inside threads in a short order. I used WD40 and wore a full face mask as the stuff flies out when you twist the brush as you remove it. I figure it would have added about half an hour to the job if I had to run a tap thru 13 holes that deep.