In over my head — stripped valve cover threads

Take one of the bolts to Lowe’s etc. and find the correct tap. That’s the easiest way to guarantee you have the correct size. And don’t be scared of it, but don’t go crazy either. Id set the tap in the hole and slowly spin it backwards to see if you can find the start of the threads. That way you know it’s not cross-threaded. Once the damaged threads are fixed, the tap will free up.
 
@PatMc is correct. They are 1/4-20x1.
21E864ED-3884-461C-B59D-F05EAA7DAAE2.png
 
  • Like
Reactions: sa1126 and ranger101
sa1126 said:
Hey guys — I think I am in over my head here.

My valve cover gasket job has been going okay until now. The second to back passenger side valve cover threads appear to be stripped. I tried hand tightening the bolts and it was not budging past a turn. It seemed to go a bit with the wrench but then slowed down so I stopped. I tried another bolt and same thing and I tried the same bolt in another hole and it worked fine so it appears the threads are stripped. There is a little play in the bolt.

Any ideas how to proceed?
Click to expand...
I was afraid to read your post I didn't want any of your luck to rub off on me. But it's like a car wreck I had to slow down and look anyway. My typical kind of weekend this shouldn't take long to fix, 3 stops later at the HDepot I'm ready for a bigger hammer.
 
  • Like
Reactions: sa1126
sa1126 said:
Also does anyone know the exact specs for the bolt? I'm no machinist but I know length, width and thread sizing are important. I would like to try to chase the threads first if possible.
Click to expand...
As PatMc & Daryl said and the Mopar parts guide says too, those bolts are 1/4-20 so don't over think this. Just go buy a 1/4-20 tap and a matching handle for the tap from nearly any hardware store. Thread it in then run it up & down the threads a time or two, it will clean up those threads which aren't bad at all.

This is far easier to do than you're probably thinking it is. Just screw the tap down into the bolt hole like a bolt and then use the handle to turn it down & up past the boogered threads a time or two. 😊
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: sa1126 and Daryl
This is one of my go to ratchets. While your issue may have been starting a fastener crooked, often people over tighten smaller fasteners and strip out threads. A ratchet like this is perfect for small fasteners, especially in tight spots. Think water pump, t-stat, valve cover, caliper bolts etc.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00EE6EX6I/?tag=wranglerorg-20
 
  • Like
Reactions: sa1126
Guess what? I fixed it and it only cost me $1.34! I went to lowes and got a 2 pack of 1/4-20 grade 8 bolts, borrowed my brother's dremel and made a tap. I was worried it wouldn't work but it went perfect. I went back and forth a few times and kept repeating until the bolt came out with no shavings. I tested a factory bolt and it worked great! Thank you all so much. I seriously cannot begin to express my gratitude to you all.

Screenshot_20191130-205948.png


IMG_20191130_205139.jpg
 
  • Like
Reactions: Dilly Dilly, MountaineerTom, ranger101 and 2 others
sa1126 said:
Guess what? I fixed it and it only cost me $1.34! I went to lowes and got a 2 pack of 1/4-20 grade 8 bolts, borrowed my brother's dremel and made a tap. I was worried it wouldn't work but it went perfect. I went back and forth a few times and kept repeating until the bolt came out with no shavings. I tested a factory bolt and it worked great! Thank you all so much. I seriously cannot begin to express my gratitude to you all.

View attachment 127282

View attachment 127283
Click to expand...

Good job, next time...instead of grinding off the threads, cut a slot (vertically...referencing your picture) from the tip of the thread to the unthreaded section, most of the way through the threads)...it will clean the hole better.
 
  • Like
Reactions: sa1126
PatMc said:
Good job, next time...instead of grinding off the threads, cut a slot (vertically...referencing your picture) from the tip of the thread to the unthreaded section, most of the way through the threads)...it will clean the hole better.
Click to expand...

That was my intention but I didn't have a thin enough grinder wheel for the dremel.

Will the home depot bolts work ok even though they are coated with zinc?
 
Top Bottom
Back