Author Topic: Rounded-off bolt head tips (Read 1713 times)

Banjo · « **on:** June 05, 2007, 11:17:50 am »

Help! One of my valve cover bolt heads has rounded off. It's in the rear corner too so very difficult to get a file to it (without removing carb, intake, etc). Does anyone have any tips? I really don't want to resort to drilling it but also don't want to take the engine to bits if I can avoid it...

Roadkill · « **Reply #1 on:** June 05, 2007, 11:19:40 am »

I think Irvin make a special set of sockets specifically made for taking rounded off bolts out . . .

I know they sell them at most car-part shops.

Are you in Hatfield ?

Banjo · « **Reply #2 on:** June 05, 2007, 11:23:10 am »

I'm the Hatfield end of St Albans..

Roadkill · « **Reply #3 on:** June 05, 2007, 11:39:05 am »

I use HTC (Herts tool Co.) for work just outside Hatfield . . (Near airfield/uni/industrial park).

Last time I was there they had a set of those as I was considering buying them . . . Not sure what size they go down to but I'm guessing 7/16 / 11mm.

The other option is to remove the rest of the bolts and . . err . . "wiggle" the valve cover a little about the bolt.

This can sometimes free it.

Failing that do the above and try to drag the (relatively thick) gasket away from it.
It'll fall apart for sure but may make the bolt give a little.

Cunning Plan · « **Reply #4 on:** June 05, 2007, 11:40:56 am »

Figure you have tried hammering a smaller socket onto it?

Banjo · « **Reply #5 on:** June 05, 2007, 12:21:12 pm »

Thanks for the IRWIN tip RK. The bolts are 3/8s. I'll see if they do one.. Wiggling is no good, it's solid on the head... Would try getting the gasket out but don't have a replacement at the moment!

Haven't tried hammering a smaller socket yet CP. The valve covers are original and I can't find any repro's that are the correct size for my heads (several SAY they are but I have two useless sets due to incorrect descriptions). I don't want to bend the cover around the bolt hole by hammering to hard...

Roadkill · « **Reply #6 on:** June 05, 2007, 12:26:34 pm »

Quoting: Banjo

Would try getting the gasket out but don't have a replacement at the moment!

You don't want to put the original back, believe me - You're sure to get a leak.

Replacements will probably be about £10 or so. They're Cork, no doubt so re-using them is a no-no.
If you must, then carefully peal them off and clean them. Then use silicone to re-seal them.

Banjo · « **Reply #7 on:** June 05, 2007, 12:36:44 pm »

They're brand new Felpro rubber gaskets. Before I installed them I had a leak so removed the cover to find the remains of some sealant but no gasket. Checked cover over and all was fine so fitted new gasket and put the cover back on. Still leaking so went to remove it again and rounded off the bolt.

Might try cork gaskets though, I know alot of people swear by them..

Roadkill · « **Reply #8 on:** June 05, 2007, 12:40:40 pm »

What engine do you have in that ? - the original ?

I'm assuming it's the 4-Bolt valve covers.

Roadkill · « **Reply #9 on:** June 05, 2007, 12:41:24 pm »

Quoting: Banjo

Still leaking

Maybe a small crack / scratch in the mating surface ?

Jamieg285 · « **Reply #10 on:** June 05, 2007, 12:48:30 pm »

Quoting: Roadkill

What engine do you have in that ? - the original ?

It's a V6

I'd recommend the rubber gaskets over cork.

If it's still leaking with decent new gaskets, it sounds to me like the cover is warped.

Can you use the spreader bar thingy's to spread the clamping load on those covers?

Banjo · « **Reply #11 on:** June 05, 2007, 12:52:49 pm »

It's the original Chevrolet 90 degree V6 229. There are plenty of valve covers available for the later 4.3 90 degree V6 but they don't fit mine (if anyone wants a set I have two...), they are 4 bolt covers.

Didn't notice a crack/scratch but will inspect more thoroughly (when I get the bolt out), I had assumed the leak was due to the lack of a gasket in the first place so wasn't looking too hard for other causes. Gonna get a set of IRWIN bolt extractors from eBay, that should sort it!

Roadkill · « **Reply #12 on:** June 05, 2007, 12:56:52 pm »

Quoting: Jamieg285

It's a V6

Ah, O.K.

Quoting: Banjo

IRWIN bolt extractors from eBay, that should sort it!

Good luck.

Banjo · « **Reply #13 on:** June 05, 2007, 12:58:57 pm »

Thanks for your help. I love this forum

ianjpage · « **Reply #14 on:** June 05, 2007, 01:01:40 pm »

Quoting: Banjo

I love this forum

Jamieg285 · « **Reply #15 on:** June 05, 2007, 01:01:48 pm »

Did you see the PM I sent you?

Banjo · « **Reply #16 on:** June 05, 2007, 01:16:03 pm »

Ooooo not had one of those before!

I've replied, thanks mate!

Roadkill · « **Reply #17 on:** June 05, 2007, 01:18:16 pm »

Quoting: Banjo

Thanks for your help

We do our best.

sixpack2639 · « **Reply #18 on:** June 05, 2007, 09:37:07 pm »

Banjo · « **Reply #19 on:** June 06, 2007, 09:10:16 am »

Quick update - With perseverance and by working the socket round at a very strange angle I managed to get the f**ker out

Cleaned everything up + put it back (with spreader bars) = no leak

Thanks for the advice everyone

Cunning Plan · « **Reply #20 on:** June 06, 2007, 10:29:13 am »

:grouphug:

F Body · « **Reply #21 on:** June 06, 2007, 11:43:43 am »

Quoting: Banjo

Cleaned everything up + put it back (with spreader bars) = no leak

A Chevy without leaks - How Odd

Banjo · « **Reply #22 on:** June 06, 2007, 12:37:15 pm »

It's only a matter of time....

sixpack2639 · « **Reply #23 on:** June 06, 2007, 02:15:16 pm »

Quoting: Banjo

I had a leak so removed the cover to find the remains of some sealant but no gasket

That could be because GM, in it's infinate wisdom, assembled some engines in that era with only gasket sealer thinking gaskets were not truly needed.

Obviously they found they were wrong.

Roadkill · « **Reply #24 on:** June 06, 2007, 02:45:24 pm »

Quoting: Cunning Plan

:grouphug: