My I6 recently started an intermiitent clack from the rocker gear area. Turned out to be a failed HLA. By backing off all the rocker gear bolts, i managed to get the old one out (from number one ) and slipped in a new one with spacer. When tightening down the rocker gear again to 25nm i stripped one of the bolts near the centre of the head.
I know i will have to pull it all to bits sometime and get it heli coiled or whatever, but in the mean time with so many other bolts holding it down , and through neccessitie , i'm still using it. Seems ok and all quiet.
Anyone had this prob ? and if so how did you fix it ?

You say you backed off all the bolts and managed to get the old hla out, why didnt you just take the rocker gear off to do it?

But your right, pull the rocker gear off again and get the thread fixed or retapped.

Yes, to take the rocker gear off would have been a better option, but as usual, pushed for time. When I take it off to repair the thread, I would like to fit a new set of HLA's. Any suggestions on suppliers /prices ?