Tap & Die Valve Cover Bolts

[Lt.Mike]

I will be doing this job in the next couple weeks because oil is leaking out bad.

What is the prefered theading insert to use on this type of job? I have searched that this one type of thread insert is not good for the engine head, so if anyone knows, what type of theading insert do I use for this job?

[BadMojo]

I need to do the same thing this Spring. I was going to use a Heli-Coil kit. Probably overkill, but those suckers will never be stripped again.

[Lt.Mike]

I searched about Heli-coils, and I read somewhere that it is not recomended for this type of job. I do not know why, but I will trust that opinion. Thus the reason why I am asking this question to what type of threading to use.

[ILikeMy240sx]

speaking of bolts for the valve cover... Do you know what kind of bolts that the stock valve cover uses? (outside bolts)? I need to get one cuz I lost one

[ShadowKnight006]

Hmmm, I heard they were just right for it and was planning on having it done this spring/summer. I hope someone can clear this up.

[slipnfall]

I helicoiled 4 bolt holes on my head for valve cover bolts a few weeks back. Went really smooth. The size is metric 6x1 IIRC. I see no reason why not to use helicoils: the aluminum is very soft and strips easily, and the helicoils add much needed support.

[slipnfall]

Oh and BTW helicoil is a brand for this type of insert, I'm sure there are other knock-offs. It'll be hard finding these inserts outside of a kit.

[Lt.Mike]

Okay cool, so I should just go to Sears/Napa and and mention about metric helicoil inserts 6.1 then?

[slipnfall]

Yeah, though I'm sure Sears doesn't carry them. If you can't find them at an auto store, try a farm/tractor supply store. Don't quote me on that size, even though I'm 95% sure that was it.

You'll want to get the full kit. Includes a tap, insertion tool, and the coils. It should tell you the size of drill needed on the package, mine called for an 1/8". Without the insertion tool it's a PITA to get them in.

HTH, just keep an eye out for those metal shavings.

[Lt.Mike]

Okay, thank you so much for this helpful information. This will be one of my goals this spring break.

[bentong2k2]

Yeah, though I'm sure Sears doesn't carry them. If you can't find them at an auto store, try a farm/tractor supply store. Don't quote me on that size, even though I'm 95% sure that was it.

You'll want to get the full kit. Includes a tap, insertion tool, and the coils. It should tell you the size of drill needed on the package, mine called for an 1/8". Without the insertion tool it's a PITA to get them in.

HTH, just keep an eye out for those metal shavings.

are you sure its a 1/8" drill, sounds kinda small, i think it should be 1/4". i assume you use the same bolts after the helicoils, right? Do i also use the 6x1mm size helicoils on the 3 bolts in the middle of the valve cover or are they different sizes? thanks.
Modified by bentong2k2 at 9:53 AM 4/16/2006

[underground57]

zerothread?id=154563

A little past half way down are instructions on how to helicoil. I've done it a couple times before (on different engines) and have had no problems.

zerothread?id=61588

And according to this thread, the size you're looking for is M12 -1.25, which sounds about right, but I'm not 100% sure. I don't remember what size drill bit it was, but if you get the kit, it says either on the packaging or or the instructions. I'm pretty sure the middle bolts are also the same thread pitch, but they are much longer and the threads are deeper in the head. I'm not sure you can helicoil them as easily.

You should just be able to reuse your old bolts. They don't strip as easily as the head does. But if you need to get ahold of spare bolts, go to the classified forum and post up a WTB. Not sure where else you can get them, but Nissan dealers charge something outrageous.

[volkl77]

Just My 2 cents... Time Sert. They are expensive but work very well. I've used them several times for valve covers and exhaust studs in aluminum heads.

http://www.timesert.com/

You may not want to spend the $$$ for the one size kits, or worse the master sets $$$$$, but any good race prep shop should have them. Expect to pay $10-$15 per insert including labor.