Are there better bolts available for the valve covers? The stock 8mm 12pt bolts are a royal PITA to mess with using a 3/8" drive socket. Curious if there is an alternative, perhaps an allen wrench style? WTF size is it anyway? Everytime I take a bolt to the hardware store to find a replacement, I spend 2 hours and never find one.
Replacement valve cover bolts
- Thread starter Cadaver
- Start date
I believe those are SAE, not metric. A 5/16 12 point socket fits, that's what I've used.
I think someone mentioned a while back that the thread is 1/4-20, which is a very common size. You should be able to pick up a 1/4-20 allen head bolt (box will probably say socket head cap screw) just about anywhere to give it a try. I would guess 3/4 on the length, but it would be better to just pull one and match it up.
I think someone mentioned a while back that the thread is 1/4-20, which is a very common size. You should be able to pick up a 1/4-20 allen head bolt (box will probably say socket head cap screw) just about anywhere to give it a try. I would guess 3/4 on the length, but it would be better to just pull one and match it up.
Yep, I matched it with some odd bolts I had at home and it seems to be 1/4-20 or very darn close. I will try to find them in the socket hex cap.
I also tried to find a 5/16 12pt socket and was unsuccessful. Keep in mind that my resources for these things are either auto zone, advanced auto, or napa. Sears is an hour away. Sucks living in a small town. If I can find the right bolt with the socket head cap I will be in good shape.
Thanks Richard!
John
I also tried to find a 5/16 12pt socket and was unsuccessful. Keep in mind that my resources for these things are either auto zone, advanced auto, or napa. Sears is an hour away. Sucks living in a small town. If I can find the right bolt with the socket head cap I will be in good shape.
Thanks Richard!
John
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bksspear13
Guest
Cadaver said:
http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...6&group_ID=141&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog free shipping, your never too far away from your mailbox. right tool for the right job
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barefoot
Guest
will the shallow sockets work for the valve covers or is a deep socket best? and why does it matter if its 3/8 or 1/4 drive?
Do these bolts have to be tightened to a specific torque. I received advice on this board to try tightening them to remedy suspected valve cover oil leak, but I don't know whether I should buy a torque wrench and how to avoid overtightening them.
Dirtygas
2000 Disco II, 4.0, CLD added
Dirtygas
2000 Disco II, 4.0, CLD added
This is one of those cases where I just did them by hand - not a critical fastener that warrants using a torque wrench. The gaskets have bushings in them so you will feel the bolt bottom against metal once the rubber is compressed just a bit.
If they come loose on you again pull them, clean the threads on the bolt and in the hole (degreaser and q-tips), and use some RTV or Hylomar type of stuff on them to both seal and help prevent them from vibrating loose.
If the gaskets still leak after the bolts are tight then get some new gaskets, the rubber is likely deformed and/or aged too much to seal.
If they come loose on you again pull them, clean the threads on the bolt and in the hole (degreaser and q-tips), and use some RTV or Hylomar type of stuff on them to both seal and help prevent them from vibrating loose.
If the gaskets still leak after the bolts are tight then get some new gaskets, the rubber is likely deformed and/or aged too much to seal.
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BarryO
Guest
You don't own a torque wrench!?!?!? Not even one!!?dirtygas said:
'better take it to the dealer for all your servicing.
lol
the general rule of thumb on valve cover bolts is like tightening an oil filter. hand tight plus a little- thats all it needs.
the general rule of thumb on valve cover bolts is like tightening an oil filter. hand tight plus a little- thats all it needs.
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BarryO
Guest
dirtygas said:
So now you need to adjust to your new ownership situation.
If there's a Harbor Freight near you, they have one size or another on sale from time to time. Eventually, you can get a set of 1/4", 3/8", 1/2" put together for not much $$$.