I was changing the valve cover gasket today on the right side of the engine, everything was going good until I retightend the bolts. All the bolts were tightening nicely and I didn't force any of them. However as i was tighting the rear upper bolt it would not catch and kept spinning. All the other bolts seem fine. Looks like the threads are stripped and I'm not sure how to go about fixing easily as it is really cramped in the rear of the engine. I did read online about filling the hole with jb weld and putting soap on the bolt, instering the bolt and as the jb weld tries it will form the theads, any ideas in this method?? Or am I just screwed now, also what about using liquid gasket where the weak bolt is????

Thanks

02 Lincoln LS V8

if it was me - do it right.

clean it up, tap it to the next size up and find a matching bolt. These bolts are not too tight - 89 lb-in - so it does not take too much to hold them but more than RTV will get you.

if it was me - do it right.

clean it up, tap it to the next size up and find a matching bolt. These bolts are not too tight - 89 lb-in - so it does not take too much to hold them but more than RTV will get you.

I would love to retap it my main problem with that is its in a tight spot, it's the last uper bolt right next to the fire wall.

You might try a new bolt first before tap, it could be the bolt.

You might try a new bolt first before tap, it could be the bolt.

Tried that it's def the threads.

if its a tight fit, get a tap, cut off the top half of it and then clamp vise grips on it sideways to turn it in...if its too tight for that and you just wanna rig it so it works then jb weld and silicone, but thats far from the right way...i say do it once and do it right but i also dont know exactly what you have for clearance.

if its a tight fit, get a tap, cut off the top half of it and then clamp vise grips on it sideways to turn it in...if its too tight for that and you just wanna rig it so it works then jb weld and silicone, but thats far from the right way...i say do it once and do it right but i also dont know exactly what you have for clearance.

Very Little Clearence, that's the main issues otherwise I would be able to drill and tap. The other option I have is to use a longer bolt and a nut on the oposite side for grab. I know these bolts are not standard but i feel that using a regualar bolt with a washer would work ok, does any one know what size the stock bolt is??

what about screwing a stud into that hole then using a nut to hold the valve cover down?

ALso.. if you tightened up the other bolts before starting this one.. you might want to go back and loosen the other bolts and make sure you get them "ALL" started before you begin to tighten them down.

Sounds like you were tightening them up all the way as you went along.. THAT might be where your problem started.

Threadsert... only way to fix stripped threads in ally.

what about screwing a stud into that hole then using a nut to hold the valve cover down?

ALso.. if you tightened up the other bolts before starting this one.. you might want to go back and loosen the other bolts and make sure you get them "ALL" started before you begin to tighten them down.

Sounds like you were tightening them up all the way as you went along.. THAT might be where your problem started.

Yes, that may be a possible solution, and I did not tighten all the way, I started from the center out and slightly snugged each one.

Use a Heli-Coil.

clicky-clicky (http://www.emhart.com/products/helicoil.asp)

YouTube - How to Repair Threads With A Heli-Coil Insert (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RFYa6sjhh_E)

You can remove the upper cowl cover and strut tower bar and gain a little more access to the rear part of the engine.

Just how much room I couldn't say but every little bit might help.

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