Suggestions needed for valve cover removal...

[buhgey]

Hey all...

Trying to change my valve cover seals today. Came across a little problem, and bear with me, as I do not know the technical name of everything.

I got the intake manifold off, without any problems. I am trying to get the valve cover seals off, and apparently, 2 of the 8 hex screws on the valve cover are stripped. Does anyone have a suggestion on how to get those off?

I have the same question over at taurusclub.com.

You all are great! I really appreciate the answers!!!

 

[Xtreme.NY.SHO]

Im sure some people might flip if i say this but its something i do and it has worked for me in the past...take a flat head screwdriver bit that is slightly bigger than the opening in the heads of those bolts and tap it in there then use that to loosen them. I have done this before more than a few times and it worked each time. just make sure u wedge it in enough where it wont strip it worse.

 

[luigisho]

Do you have replacements? I wouldn't take anything off that can't be put back on until you have replacements in hand.

To get them off you can try a screw extractor bit from craftsman or something like that. If all else fails you can try to snap or cut the tops off and remove the cover that way.

You have to be careful because the bolts are made of very soft metal and like to snap off in the threaded holes (which are soft metal also) below.. and that's a good deal of extra work if there's not enough stud to grab hold of at that point.

I would look around for someone with used extras to sell to be on the safe side if you need to drive this any time soon. Be careful when reinstalling these again as the metal is soft and can't take much torque.

 

[jayro]

You could also see if an easy out would fit and grab in the stripped out hole. I'm pretty sure there are some sho vendors where you can get some good used ones to replace the stripped ones.

Jeremy

 

[SuperHO]

Where at in MIchigan are you? I've got easy outs AND spare valve cover bolts...

 

[SHOtime2511]

You could also see if an easy out would fit and grab in the stripped out hole.

X2:wave:

 

[buhgey]

Thanks for your suggestions guys. I ended up just using a bigger allen wrench, and it worked perfectly!

Thanks again!

 

[hawkeye18]

That's actually what I was going to say. Pound the next size bigger hex key in there, or (if you have it) the next bigger Torx head, and try doing that. It's worked for me before.

Also, I've noticed that the steady, gentle application of less torque works much better than trying to snap it loose. The rubber seems to like to melt to the valve cover, and gently pushing gets them loose better.