Valve cover bolt source - won't tighten

[hour]

Hi all...

So, in doing my spark plugs today I noticed that I have more oil than before on the back side of the motor, near the rear most bolts. Obviously I'd like to replace the gaskets, and the valve covers even in the event that they're cracked or something, but I don't see that happening before it's miserably cold outside.

I had some luck when I first got the truck a year ago by tightening the bolts til they were snug (I now know 5ftlbs, but I don't think I exceeded that just snugging them up). Anyway, tried the same trick today and none of the bolts will tighten on the passenger side. They just spin to infinity.

I read on here about someone saying the threads could be worn out and to try new bolts, and would like to give it a shot. Anyone have a source for these, or should I just take one out and go to autozone, use their bolt sizing/threading board, and try to find something that meets the specs?

Also lost a coil pack bolt, snapped before it even snugged when I was putting everything back together. A phillips head license plate bolt worked, miraculously (and thankfully) but I'd like to get the proper one in there. Source/size for those? Can't find either on Camelback toyota :|

Thanks x infinity!

 

[blairvt]

I happened to check my valve cover bolts yesterday, I could turn them by hand. Whats up with that?

 

[KidVermicious]

You don't want just any bolts, you want the valve cover bolts with the grommets. And you don't want to hear this, but it's entirely possible that it's not the bolt that's stripped out, but the bolt hole. Back out the bolts you've got, and if the rubber washers/grommets/thingies are cracked and squished you should get some more from the dealer anyway, but inspect the threads first - if they look intact, get a tap and carefully chase the bolt holes in the head.

If that doesn't work, you'll want to helicoil those holes.

 

[hour]

I happened to check my valve cover bolts yesterday, I could turn them by hand. Whats up with that?

It's common. Heat, vibration, planetary alignment, and the ghost of Christmas past are all generally thought to be culprits. If you were able to snug them up, good stuff. Just make sure you don't over-tighten them as they call for like <5ftlbs of torque, lower than most if not all 1/2" torque wrenches go - so snugging up by hand is probably your best bet. Too tight and they can snap or crack the valve cover. Both of which seem stupid as hell, but it's a real concern.

You don't want just any bolts, you want the valve cover bolts with the grommets. And you don't want to hear this, but it's entirely possible that it's not the bolt that's stripped out, but the bolt hole. Back out the bolts you've got, and if the rubber washers/grommets/thingies are cracked and squished you should get some more from the dealer anyway, but inspect the threads first - if they look intact, get a tap and carefully chase the bolt holes in the head.

If that doesn't work, you'll want to helicoil those holes.

You're correct, I didn't want to hear that :rofl: I was certainly thinking it was the holes themselves, but couldn't find anything about it... just someone talking about the threads worn out on the bolts, which I've never heard of happening but related to an old key not working in a door lock as well as a new one.

I obviously wish I could just find the correct bolts, and I guess the washer thing you reference to try, but I know I'm just stalling a complete gasket job and probably replacing the covers themselves. Sucks the most problematic part is the closest to the firewall, I'd love to properly degrease back there and monitor it. I'd also love to check for a crack. Thanks for the input though.