Crossed Thread with the engine covers?

[fenderpicks]

Hey everyone today i crossed thread 1 of my engine cover's screw "The one that requires the hex key"

Since i cant take off the engine cover unless the screw is off... how do i fix this issue lol

[PapaSmurf2k3]

You should still be able to remove the screw even if you cross threaded it. If not, you'll have to drill it out.

If that's the case, then you might want to put in a heli-coil so you can still use that screw anchor.

[fenderpicks]

I think i used the term crossed thread wrong lol,
I meant like the top thing that u put the hex key to losen and tighten is jacked up and i cant get the screw out lol sorry

[PapaSmurf2k3]

Oh, like the head is stripped. Yeah, you'll have to use an easy out, or drill the head off. Once you get the head off, you should be able to remove the cover, and unscrew the rest of the bolt by the shank. Should come right out (unless its cross threaded )

[LongBeachCoupe]

Rightey Tightey
Lefty Loosey!

[dangeris]

Needle nose vise grip FTW!!!!!

[fenderpicks]

So how do I get the screw out lol?
And were can I buy replacments of that screw from?

[trigger_storey]

Take a dremel and cut a slit on the top of the bolt. Then just take a flat head screwdriver and take it out. For replacements you can find them online or just take the one that isnt stripped to any hardware store, find a screw that matches it in size and buy 2 of them so you can replace both of them and have them match.

[lavon_andy]

I thought you could also fit a 9 or 10 mm socket over it and just do that instead of using a hex bit. I can't remember but I thought that's how I did mine (2010 AC though). I might be mistaken though, cars outside in the cold and im lazy...

[DJ_B_Easy]

Rightey Tightey
Lefty Loosey!

[PapaSmurf2k3]

So how do I get the screw out lol?

you'll have to use an easy out, or drill the head off. Once you get the head off, you should be able to remove the cover, and unscrew the rest of the bolt by the shank. Should come right out

[old_skool_2004]

The best way to remove a stripped screw is using what is called "easy-outs". There are different names for them. You can find them at Sears, Autozone, etc. Make sure you install the right pitch thread when you replace it or you will damage the internal threads and that NOT GOOD.

[PapaSmurf2k3]

Eh, even if you f*** it up royally, you can always just drill the whole damn thing out, remove whatever it is you're trying to remove, then clean the hole and put in a helicoil. Its really not that hard.