Valve Cover Bolts
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 2,005
Likes: 0
From: Ridgecrest CA
Valve Cover Bolts
As some might have seen, one of the valve cover bolts busted off in my head while I was pulling them off. The next day, I drilled out the center and put in a bolt extractor, promptly busting it off in hole as well. Attempting to drill out the extractor, I melted the end off my 7/64 bit.
With spreaders all the way around, how vital is the 4th bolt? I found a machine shop that says they can get it out, but I don't really want to pull the carb, distributor, and intake manifold just so I can get the head out to take to them. Can I get away with that for 5-6 miles to make it to the shop?
If they cannot get it out without pulling the head, is there a way to tap out a second hole next to that one to get by for a year or two until I can afford to replace the heads and put fuel injection on?
With spreaders all the way around, how vital is the 4th bolt? I found a machine shop that says they can get it out, but I don't really want to pull the carb, distributor, and intake manifold just so I can get the head out to take to them. Can I get away with that for 5-6 miles to make it to the shop?
If they cannot get it out without pulling the head, is there a way to tap out a second hole next to that one to get by for a year or two until I can afford to replace the heads and put fuel injection on?
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 11,874
Likes: 263
From: Arlington Va Current ride 04 vert, previous vettes: 69 vert, 77 resto mod
just drill it out and put in a heli coil repair kit, i only use grade 8 bolts now and use a torque wrench to tighten them
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Last edited by bobs77vet; May 9, 2006 at 11:03 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 11,874
Likes: 263
From: Arlington Va Current ride 04 vert, previous vettes: 69 vert, 77 resto mod
Originally Posted by Berserker78
How much pressure are these really under? Is a helicoil strong enough for long term use?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 7,186
Likes: 45
From: detroit area
i busted a valve cover bolt off.....rosslato was there.... just switch to studs and just finger tighten the stud into the block then torque the vlave nut down....so if the stud snaps, it'll only be finger tight in the head...... u cna then get it out easier
b
b
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 3,248
Likes: 48
From: westland mi
Originally Posted by onaqwst
i busted a valve cover bolt off.....rosslato was there.... just switch to studs and just finger tighten the stud into the block then torque the vlave nut down....so if the stud snaps, it'll only be finger tight in the head...... u cna then get it out easier
b
b
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Cruising
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
If by bolt extractor you mean an easy out - you won't be able to drill it out or cut a slot in it. The metal they make these from is very tuff to say the least. Unfortunatly they are also brittle and will snap if you put any sideways pressure on them. You'll probably need an EDM to get it out. What some people call a disintegrator. Uses an electric current to eat away the metal. Try your local machinist.
Cheers
Gene
Cheers
Gene
Racer
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 494
Likes: 0
From: Virginia
Originally Posted by Berserker78
I found a machine shop that says they can get it out, but I don't really want to pull the carb, distributor, and intake manifold just so I can get the head out to take to them. Can I get away with that for 5-6 miles to make it to the shop?