jschulz30

Any suggestions on how to fix the bolt hole?

Thank you

Jason

69427

How about a bit of TIG welding, and then some minor grinding, filing, and sanding?

I've done that on my aluminum valve covers.

jschulz30

That would work, but I do not have access to a TIG welder or the ability to use one.

markids77

Some MIG welders have an aluminum wire feed attachment... any welders in your neighborhood?

69427

Any decent welding shop could add some material to that spot for a very small charge.

jschulz30

Sounds like a plan, I will look into it. Thank you

7T1vette

What's wrong with it, other than it has been 'dinged-up' with washers/etc in it's past lives? It doesn't look to be cracked.

If the underside of the cover rail (sealing surface) is smooth and flat, the only things you need for it to seal are a good gasket, the correct metal 'load-spreader' and screw/bolt, and proper bolt torque. If the problem is just cosmetic, use a Dremel and a fine burr tool or sanding disc to smooth up the roughness and put it back together.

I'd be more concerned about putting that much heat into an area that should not be distorted and must remain smooth and flat in order to seal.

Indiancreek

Take your time with a dremel tool and dress it up. Otherwise I agree, Tig it up and dress it. I have a Tig but I'd probably dress it up with a dremel before I'd bother to Tig it.

jschulz30

It is just cosmetic, all four holes are rough. Picked these up cheap just want them to look pretty.

luisv

I would simply go with the rotary tool first. They to "smooth" out the gouges near the bolt holes so they are not so pronounced. Then the bolt heads themselves will cover a great deal. You can also go to studs for the valve cover which will be taller further hiding anything yo can't resolve.

C3-PO

clean the cover really good. get some Devcon metallic epoxy (hi-heat). it shuold be good to 800-1200 degrees. it should seal okay. you can drill/machine it out.