i stripped the threads on the valve covers of my pontiac now the bolts wont tighten can someone tell what can?

Question

its a pontiac grand am se 97 4 cyl. i was wondering if i had anough space to make new threads on the covers.

Answer 1

at ur local parts store they hahe stuff callet Heli-Coils. take the bolt with u and the instructions on the package tell u the rest.

Answer 2

The answers submitted are good and will work, however I had a slimier problem, and you may want to try what I did, I used self tapping bolts and they worked fine. The mistake most people make is over tighten the bolts on the valve covers, with good gaskets they only need to be snug. If you use the self taping bolts, make sure the are of a high quality.

Answer 3

Totaly go Heli-Coil set. Take the stud\bolt to NAPA auto parts and have them match up the right kit for your application. The kit will come with threader, helicoil threads, and installer. It's fairly simple to do. and worth the effort in the long run. You could dick around with it, but it will never work right. You will need to buy the right size drill bit too.

Answer 4

Well, the usual fix is to use a tap to enlarge the hole slightly by forming new threads of a slightly larger size, and then use new bolts to fit those threads. You'd have to be careful that there's enough metal around the holes to accept that larger size, though. Good luck.

Answer 5

BADAD has it right. Use the Heli-Coils. They come with the proper drill bit and the tap, as well as the insert tool.
But, follow the directions.

Good Luck

Answer 6

yes rethread the hold with 1/4 in tap bit or what ever size hole they might be make sure it's a size bigger .

Answer 7

Another thing you could use is heli coils
http://www.emhart.com/products/helicoil.asp

Answer 8

maybe you could rethread it and use a bigger bolt,or use locknut.