E-Force Valley Plate Replacement
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 605
Likes: 15
From: Rocky Mountains Colorado
E-Force Valley Plate Replacement
I am one of the lucky one's with a porous Valley Plate which allows oil to push through the Valley Plate and eventually work its way from under the E-Force, dripping down the front of the motor. I have the E-Force off and found the Valley Plate 5mm Socket Head Bolts frozen to the Valley Plate. I used anti-seize with the initial install but that apparently wasn't enough. Of the eleven bolts, I have two, those next to the oil pressure sensor loose but the remaining nine bolts are frozen solid. I have not ruined the bolts yet but have twisted two Sears 5mm Hex head sockets into twizzlers. I have ordered a new snap-on hardned 5mm Hex Socket but fear that my only option will be to drill each of the remaining bolts out. Once I receive the new 5mm Hex I will probably try heat (propane torch) and if that doesn't work, my only other option appears to be the drill. Any helpfull suggestions welcomed!
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 605
Likes: 15
From: Rocky Mountains Colorado
I will try the BFH along with heat and hope for the best. Just ordered the 5mm Hex from snap-on today so until the new tool arrives, this job is on hold. Also, chances are I will need new bolts. I called Edelbrock today hoping to order new valley plate bolts. The Tech I talked to wasn't sure he could order just the bolts but told me he would get back to me. I'm waiting on his call.
Moderator emeritus
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 18,599
Likes: 3,954
From: Jacksonville Florida BWO Dayton, Cincinnati, Bloomsbury NJ, Cincinnati
2015 C7 of the Year Finalist
I will try the BFH along with heat and hope for the best. Just ordered the 5mm Hex from snap-on today so until the new tool arrives, this job is on hold. Also, chances are I will need new bolts. I called Edelbrock today hoping to order new valley plate bolts. The Tech I talked to wasn't sure he could order just the bolts but told me he would get back to me. I'm waiting on his call.
You can local purchase or internet them. It looks like the stock are M8 X 1.25 bolts. So, the kit replaces them with 8mm or M8 X 1.25 X 25mm.
I have used www.hilco.com and have never NOT found what I need. Hopefully Edelbrock will sell you new "bag #3".
Elmer
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 605
Likes: 15
From: Rocky Mountains Colorado
Thanks Elmer. Kyle of Edelbrock is shipping me eleven new Countersunk Bolts (Bag#3) at no charge. Once they arrive along with the new Snap-on 5mm Hex, I make another attempt at removing the original bolts.
Moderator emeritus
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 18,599
Likes: 3,954
From: Jacksonville Florida BWO Dayton, Cincinnati, Bloomsbury NJ, Cincinnati
2015 C7 of the Year Finalist
Cold might be a good option for your stuck screws. Get one of the freeze off wart kits (or LOX, if you can). Freeze the little bastages and they might contract to give you enough relief to get them started out.
Good luck.
Elmer
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 790
Likes: 63
From: Ft Worth TX
I recommend using a hand impact like the
Lisle 30750 Hand Impact Tool Set
I've had good results with one like this on many stuck screws and socket head cap screws
I assume this is what Fordracer9 mentioned.
Lisle 30750 Hand Impact Tool Set
I've had good results with one like this on many stuck screws and socket head cap screws
I assume this is what Fordracer9 mentioned.
Last edited by wallyj; May 31, 2012 at 04:45 PM.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 605
Likes: 15
From: Rocky Mountains Colorado
wallyj, Thanks for the suggestion. I will be adding the Hand Impact Driver to my tool inventory. Always room for a new tool. Sears has a 1/2" impact driver in stock at a store I frequent. Perhaps I'll have one sooner than later.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 605
Likes: 15
From: Rocky Mountains Colorado
Finally removed the defective valley plate and replaced it with the new plate supplied by Edelbrock. Removing the eleven countersunk 5mm allen fasteners was on the extreme end of difficult. Destroyed four 5mm allen sockets before purchasing two sockets from Snap-On which finished the job. Purchased the Craftsman Impact Driver which helped remove eight of the bolts. Two of the bolts were removed with a 1/2" braker bar and one I had to drill out using a 5/16" drill bit. Took my time, spreading the work out over several days and hours. Each of the removed countersunk bolts exibited remnants of anti-seize. However, with stainless fasteners, an aluminum valley plate and 18 ft lbs of torque, anti-seize effectiveness is severly compromised. However, without it, a drill would be the only way to remove the countersunk fasteners. I hope I never have to go through this again. Waiting on my son to help with placing the SC back in place and get the Vette back on the road.