Stripped Valve Cover Bolt

[Stanman52]

Hey guys,

I have a 2010 chevy aveo LT. I replaced my valve gasket last night and 1 of the valve cover bolts stripped. I have been reading online about HELICOIL... is this a good solution? I called firestone and they said they would just lube up the bolt with thread locker and re-install? that sounds fishy to me. Any advice? anyone ever had to deal with this?

[avguy]

Why not bubble gum rather than thread locker - it's less expensive.

There are a few possible methods, but first need to know if the threads on the bolt are stripped, the ones in the hole, or some of both.

[WyrTwister]

Threads on the bolt would be easy fix , buy a new bolt .

However , I suspect it is a steel bolt into an aluminum head . So , I suspect it is the hole that is stripped .

You can try something like Blue Lock-Tite . Or even non hardening Permatex . J B Weld might work , but you would probably never get it out .

If it holds and does not leak , that is the most important thing .

If it does leak , then , probably the correct helicoil kit . With a new bolt , perhaps . Or perhaps , if you have room , drill & tap it the next oversize and use a new bolt .

God bless
Wyr