More issues with my valve cover - Toyota 4Runner Forum

stevew092984 · 02-27-2022, 02:29 AM

Got a replacement valve cover for my 98 Limited because I cracked the previous one and as I was removing the final bolt, the head of the bolt sheared right off without much force at all. I was able to remove the valve cover, but now I have this bolt that's 2/3, if not 3/4 of the way out already, but I can't get the darn thing to budge. I've tried vice grips, tried locking two nuts onto the bolt and then loosening them from the bottom but. Any advice? Thinking about getting the Dremel tool out and cutting a slot into the bolt and trying a screwdriver. Thanks in advance!

BlackWorksInc · 02-27-2022, 05:01 AM

You could try some penetrating oil and carefully heating the aluminum to try and get it to expand enough to get the bolt to wiggle loose?

Just don't set yourself or the vehicle on fire?

The other option that is probably a little safer if you can do it is to cut the bolt off as flush to the top of the cylinder head as possible, drill it out and tap it for a new one. Though that could also end in disaster if you're not careful.

BrianNH · 02-27-2022, 05:16 AM

I would soak with penetrating oil - not wd40
Put some heat on surrounding area
Since the other methods failed, not sure if cutting the screw slot will give you the torque you need to get it out. I've always filed a couple flats to get a socket over it.

If all else fails - Definetly look into using an EZ out before the drilling and tapping route - you'll have nothing to lose.

Bad Luck · 02-27-2022, 10:54 AM

I would definitely recommend anything but cutting it flush and drilling it out. Look up stud extractors on Amazon or find a friend that can weld a nut onto what’s left of the bolt. You can also try filing 2of the sides flat to give the vise grips a better grip and carefully apply heat to the head.

brillo_76 · 02-27-2022, 01:18 PM

I would put a nut on the stud and weld it on. Then use heat and let it cool down. Until you can work it out.

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gamefreakgc · 02-27-2022, 04:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stevew092984

Got a replacement valve cover for my 98 Limited because I cracked the previous one and as I was removing the final bolt, the head of the bolt sheared right off without much force at all. I was able to remove the valve cover, but now I have this bolt that's 2/3, if not 3/4 of the way out already, but I can't get the darn thing to budge. I've tried vice grips, tried locking two nuts onto the bolt and then loosening them from the bottom but. Any advice? Thinking about getting the Dremel tool out and cutting a slot into the bolt and trying a screwdriver. Thanks in advance!

Cutting a deep slot and using a large flathead works. I have done that with bolts with thread locker that were stuck stuck stuck and got them out.

snydmax · 02-27-2022, 08:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brillo_76

I would put a nut on the stud and weld it on. Then use heat and let it cool down. Until you can work it out.

Sent from my SM-A505U using Tapatalk

I’d try this… the heat from welding may do most the work for you

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