been there, done that. Helicoil works as good OR better as having a new top cover. Also makes it harder to strip it again. I took my cover off and took it to a shop, they put the helicoil in there for me for 20 bucks. Its probably not hard to do this yourself, but I did not want to buy an entire kit and tools. Keep in mind, the dipstick only goes in at VERY LOW torque (hindsight 20/20 right?) It is measured in inch/lbs. I can't remember the torque 10 in/lbs maybe? Be careful not to lose the shims when you take the top cover off-- not necessarily easy to lose, but if you will be taking it to a shop, keep track of them and make sure they all get put back... also when you bolt top cover back on, use even pressure on all bolts applied a little at a time similar to how you put lug nuts back on...
If you go the other route and buy a NEW top cover... keep in mind it will probably need to be re-shimmed. The shims were measured for your existing top cover and there are slight differences from cover to cover.
_________________ 2007 FW Horizon 200 5.0GXi/SX-A
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