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Valve gasket cover bolts...

Posted: Sun Nov 01, 2015 6:01 pm
by BEERBOY123
So, I changed the valve cover gasket and bolts etc. Some of the bolts went in nicely at 10 nm, some won't grip at all and keep turning forever. I guess someone at some point has stripped some threads in the block?

What to do?

Re: Valve gasket cover bolts...

Posted: Sun Nov 01, 2015 6:57 pm
by maxfield
I would be taking them back out and inspecting the threads. I would be helicoiling them and using new bolts if it was my car.

Re: Valve gasket cover bolts...

Posted: Sun Nov 01, 2015 7:07 pm
by HairyScreech
M20 or M5x?

M20s should have studs?

Re: Valve gasket cover bolts...

Posted: Mon Nov 02, 2015 8:44 am
by DHFiS
If the threads are stripped you will need an M6 helicoil insert.

Re: Valve gasket cover bolts...

Posted: Mon Nov 02, 2015 5:21 pm
by BEERBOY123
Thanks. It's an M42. All the bolts are brand new from BMW (as were the gaskets)


An M6 helicoil insert, I'll have to research that.

Re: Valve gasket cover bolts...

Posted: Mon Nov 02, 2015 8:07 pm
by maxfield
Standard thread size is M6 X 1.0

Re: Valve gasket cover bolts...

Posted: Tue Nov 03, 2015 9:15 pm
by BEERBOY123
Easy to use? Do I have to tap them in or drill them or owt?

Can you get them upside down?

Should I do all the threads or just the buggered ones?

Re: Valve gasket cover bolts...

Posted: Tue Nov 03, 2015 9:21 pm
by maxfield
They are easy to use, if you buy a helicoil kit, they come with everything you need. This is the kit I've got

http://www.ebay.co.uk/ulk/itm/111011855300

They are pretty self explanatory, but I'm sure there is a decent guide on YouTube.

I would inspect the threads, and only do the ones that need doing.