Help Please...

[zman-95-540i]

OK, it looks like two of my stud bolts to the valve cover are stipped. Anybody know how hard it is to replace these? Nothing in the Bentley about replacing them. I'm thinking it will be pretty straightforward but not sure.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v112/zman98/IMG_1665.jpg

Follow up question - is the newly installed valve cover still good? I used some RTV sealant where it was called for. Does this mean I'll need another new gasket?

[Blitzkrieg Bob]

Bolt, stud or the block?

[zman-95-540i]

I think it's the stud. When I look at the stud the threads are definitely not uniform and there were some slivers of metal in there.

[Blitzkrieg Bob]

do what's called a "Jam nut" to back out the stud and replace it.

Take two nuts that fit the stud put the first one as far as it can go the put the another one and tighten it against the first. Try to get the nuts to align.

slip a socket over the nuts and try to back out the stud. You may have to do a little in out action to release any thread lock.

[zman-95-540i]

Thanks for the help. Hopefully I can pick up some new bolts from the dealer tomorrow. Is this something that could likely cause some serious problems if I fubar it? I am confident in doing it right but things can happen....

[Blitzkrieg Bob]

when the stud snaps off as you try to back it out.

So be gentle and work it out.

if all goes well it's a quick clean repair.

Good luck

[zman-95-540i]

Should I pick up a new gasket while I'm at it? I never even started the car with this gasket but I'm thinking the gasket sealer used will require a new gasket.

[Blitzkrieg Bob]

you'd feel pretty sad if after as is done it leaks oil.

[zman-95-540i]

Here are the bolts in question. They came out pretty easy. One looks like it had loc-tite. The other looked clean. Now let's hope I can source these from the dealer.

Thanks again Bob.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v112/zman98/IMG_1674.jpg

[brosher]

Congrats, most of the time it's not that easy! (at least when it happens to me :p)