Thermostat misery!

[K18 JRT]

Any advice guys, I replaced thermostat/housing 2.0Dti all went well apart from top bolt doesn't want to tighten up at all and obviously it is leaking.

So from what i can gather the threads are stripped and don't really have a clue how to get out of this mess.

I knew i should have left it alone but i thought i couldn't go wrong with that as it seemed so simple.

[bigjoe]

Is there is resistance at all on the bolt or is it just spinning freely? you may need to get a helicoil insert or similar fitted.

They may be other options (not including taking it apart and using rtv sealant as well as the gasket )

[K18 JRT]

Slight resistance but just goes round and round and doesn't actually pinch up if you see what i mean.

I'm pretty sure i never over tightened it to strip it but i guess i must have!

[carpet]

Is this on a flange or a blind hole? If a flange put a longer slightly smaller bolt right thro' and a nut on the back. Or, try a slighty longer bolt and try to pick up enough thread that way. Or, as bogjoe last resort a helicoil tap and coil.