stripped valve cover bolts....

[slapnpop]

Ok, so if matters weren't bad enough (see messed up 60k post), I somehow stripped two of the valve cover bolts on the front bank. they are the top and bottom bolts between #4 and #5 cylinders. I can't really afford a new head, so what are my best options?
Tap the holes a little larger and the bolts a little smaller and sleeve the two? tap the holes larger and replace the bolts with something else altogether? as long as all 8 other bolts are good, and these two go in, but don't tighten much, would it be ok to run like that? (I'm very hesatant to do that)

 

[munkee]

Are the threads on the bolt stripped or are the threads in the head stripped? If the bolts are stripped then try new bolts first and be sure to follow torque specs. If the head is stripped then you might try a helicoil kit. I've never used one but I know others on here have so you can get advice from them.

 

[naval-avi8or]

If it is the head you can always put a heli-coil in, you can pick up a kit at any auto store.

 

[sdpatt]

I learned this the hard way too. You will need the M6 size Heli-Coil (or other equivalent brand) rethreadding kit. The torque specs on these bolts are 8-11 lb-ft. You can easily exceed that with one finger on the socket wrench. Repeat after me: set the torque wrench twice - torque once. **** of a lesson to learn the hard way, eh?

 

[Prembird]

heli-coil or just tap it to the next size up and get new bolts... either way works... taping it is a little easier but heli-coil puts steel treads in place of the aluminum ones...

 

[sdpatt]

Prembird:
heli-coil or just tap it to the next size up and get new bolts... either way works... taping it is a little easier but heli-coil puts steel treads in place of the aluminum ones...

You do realize that the bolts in question are the very specific, chrome plated valve cover bolts. They are not available in any other size. The rethread method is the only viable solution.

A valve cover bolt minus its threaded tip. Another result of too much torque. Also not good. The gray material on the rubber seal is RTV to keep the bolt sealed until the replacement bolt was received and installed.

Scott

<small>[ March 17, 2002, 11:10 PM: Message edited by: sdpatt ]</small>

 

[slapnpop]

helicoil it was and it's workin' fine!
thumbs_u

 

[sdpatt]

That's great to hear! I must admit that I have six Heli-Coils in the rear cylinder head on my engine. Apparently the aluminum was a tiny bit softer on the rear head as none failed on the front bank at the 11 lb-ft torque wrench setting. It is crucial that a torque wrench is used to tighten the valve cover bolts (and spark plugs and intake manifold bolts, etc....) to prevent the damage of the aluminum threads.

Scott