Stripped Valve cover bolt

[olde30is]

I replaced my valve cover gasket and over torqued one valve cover bolt, so it won't tighten at all.

Is there a simple remedy for this problem?

Thanks.

[AlpineIS]

I did this once and broke one of the bolts in the process. Replacements are available from the dealer.

[olde30is]

I think I need a thread repair kit. Anyone have a suggestion? or done this before?

Thanks.

[StereoInstaller1]

Valve cover bolts? You have bolts and not studs? Mine are studs, and do strip rather easily, either that or I am just that much of a hulking brute.

Anyway, grab that fucker with some vice grips and twist it out, then replace.

Or, if you is soopa-ghetto, you can stack a couple of tiny washers under the nut, getting the nut back above the stripped part...unless you already grabbed it with vice grips.

Luke

[txleadfoot]

You need an M6 size Heli-coil repair kit. Keep the metal shavings away from the cams!

[nando]

how are you guys stripping these things? you'd either have to cross thread the nuts or he-man it on there. inch-lbs guys, you can overtorque them with your pinky if you're not careful!

[AlpineIS]

Valve cover bolts? You have bolts and not studs?

Yeah, they are studs...not bolts. Thanks.

[olde30is]

I just picked up a M6 Heli-coil repair kit. Any special instruction?

Thanks.

[StereoInstaller1]

Yeah, they are studs...not bolts. Thanks.

Yeah, but the OP is rocking the 4 banger.

Helicoil works great, if you follow the instructions.

[olde30is]

Here is link with step by step instructions.

http://bmw.e30tuner.com/articles_vchc.php

thanks for the help!!

[RedHoodRidah]

M42's are known for this. Just repair the thread with the heli coil and you will be good to go again.

[NC325iC]

i dont know if he meant he stripped the nut or not but ive stripped the threads in the head (weak aluminum) by over torquing (i used my torque wrench but the lowest it goes is 18 and its not a very accurate 18 )