GM / Chevrolet

TIME-SERT J-42385-500 Cadillac Northstar Head Bolt Thread Repair

TIME-SERT J-42385-500 Cadillac Northstar Head Bolt Thread Repair image

Product #: J-42385-500 DLT


Your Price: $528.69


Includes Free Shipping.TIME-SERT J-42385-500 Cadillac Northstar Head Bolt Thread Repair Kit M11x1.5mm for aluminum blocks. The TIME-SERT J-42385-500 head bolt thread kit for 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998 and 1999 GM Cadillac Northstar engines with the very common size M11x1.5mm (11 millimeter by 1.5 millimeter) bolt size. The tooling for the J-42385-500 has ONE pre-measured groove because the depth in those years are only one depth In the 2000 to 2003 engines have two different depths which uses the J-42385-2000 Thread Repair Kit. See the video linked above for more information on how to use the thread repair kit.

*Note The J-42385-500 is for a "first time" repair which means it has never had a repair insert (like a failed Helicoil) or any other kind installed previously. If the block has had a failed insert, the Big Sert kit is required. For second time repairs use a Big Sert (Over-size) kit which has the letters BS following the numeric kit number - J-42385-500BS.

GM recommends TIME-SERT and is the only authorized repair from General Motors Corporation. Their TSB names the J-42385-500 specifically as the recommended thread repair kit for repairing their aluminum threads in the block of Northstar engines for the head bolts. Steel bushing type inserts (part number 11155) are used which are ten times stronger than steel. The kit comes with a quantity of 10. The block takes a total of 20 inserts so it's important to purchase 10 more inserts to have enough to repair the whole block. The original TTY (Torque to Yield) head bolts are used which allow proper clamping just like the engineers at GM had in mind. That's why GM does NOT recommend aftermarket studs that have popped up on the market recently. TIME-SERT is the ONLY recommended repair for the Northstar.

Time Sert J-42385-500 Head Bolt Thread Repair Kit Includes:

Qty Tool Item Number

1 56111 Drill Fixture

1 J-42385-302 Drill Bushing

1 J-42385-303 Alignment Pin

3 J-42385-503 Bolts, Short

1 J-42385-504 Step Drill

1 J-42385-505 Tap

1 J-42385-506 Insert Driver

1 J-42385-2017 Stop Collar for Shallow Holes

1 6020 Loctite

1 6010 Driver Oil

10 11155 M11x1.5mm Replacement Inserts

1 Laminated Instruction card.

pdficon-small.png See the Time-Sert J-42385-500 Thread Repair Kit Instructions pdf - Also see the YouTube video linked above for more tips for a proper repair.

*Note TTY head bolts should be replaced as per auto repair manual. Reusing old head bolts can cause repeat thread and/or head gasket failure.

Cadillac Northstar Engines - A total of 20 inserts are needed for the Northstar engines if repairing entire block.

  • 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 the specific kit number is the J-42385-500 (Holes are 1 depth).
  • Cadillac Deville 4.6 L 281 CID V8 DOHC 32 Valve Northstar 1995-1999.
  • Cadillac Eldorado 4.6 L 281 CID V8 DOHC 32 Valve Northstar 1995-1999.
  • Cadillac Seville 4.6L 281 CID V-8 DOHC Northstar 1995-1999.
  • Oldsmobile Aurora 4.0 Liter 243.8 CID V8 Double Over Head Cam 95-99
  • Tested and approved by GM. TIME-SERT is the only approved repair for head bolts. *Note for Aurora Shortstar 3.5 V-6 use the 6001 Kit.

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