Valve cover bolt wont budge - E86

Nick W · Post by **Nick W** » Fri Jan 20, 2023 12:31 pm

Just a small tip, WD40 is NOT a penetrating oil but a reasonably poor lubricant and whatever else it claims to be.
Make your own penetrating oil using 50/50 ATF / Acetone, even thinning down engine oil with diesel works but I prefer the first one.

1536Z4 · Post by **1536Z4** » Fri Jan 20, 2023 9:47 pm

Nick W wrote: ↑Fri Jan 20, 2023 11:33 am Tack weld an old Allen key

Did try something similiar but with an allen key banged into a hole drilled into the head before it came off and some superglue . Left it overnight and turned it next day but it just broke off . I don`t have a welder but a neighbour does so may ended up trying that . Thanks

1536Z4 · Post by **1536Z4** » Fri Jan 20, 2023 9:49 pm

Nick W wrote: ↑Fri Jan 20, 2023 12:31 pm Make your own penetrating oil using 50/50 ATF / Acetone, even thinning down engine oil with diesel works but I prefer the first one.

I`m actually using Plusgas but will bear it in mind

1536Z4 · Post by **1536Z4** » Fri Jan 20, 2023 9:52 pm

DevonPaul wrote: ↑Fri Jan 20, 2023 11:58 am if you can part thread a nut to the remaining stud, then tack weld it. Lots of heating, spraying, and tapping the end with a small hammer when hot and cold.

I've done this in the past with bike exhaust studs.

If you end up drilling it out try and use a 90 degree bit holder and come in from underneath - that way the swarf goes away from the engine

All good advice . Thank you

Mr Tidy · Post by **Mr Tidy** » Fri Jan 20, 2023 9:55 pm

I'm not sure welding is the answer as those bolts on the N52 engine are aluminium IIRC.

Useless trivia - WD40 got it's name from being "Water Displacement, 40th attempt"!

1536Z4 · Post by **1536Z4** » Fri Jan 20, 2023 9:56 pm

I have now got most of the jobs done I wanted to so will be attemp to remove the pesky bolt tomorrow . I will update my progress . Thank you to everyone for your time and advice .

1536Z4 · Post by **1536Z4** » Fri Jan 20, 2023 9:58 pm

Mr Tidy wrote: ↑Fri Jan 20, 2023 9:55 pm I'm not sure welding is the answer as those bolts on the N52 engine are aluminium IIRC.

Hi Mr Tidy . They were aluminium on the magnesium cover I believe but steel for the plastic cover

Definiteley steel on mine .

Mr Tidy · Post by **Mr Tidy** » Fri Jan 20, 2023 10:25 pm

1536Z4 wrote: ↑Fri Jan 20, 2023 9:58 pm Hi Mr Tidy . They were aluminium on the magnesium cover I believe but steel for the plastic cover Definiteley steel on mine .

That's probably why it is putting up such a fight!

1536Z4 · Post by **1536Z4** » Mon Jan 23, 2023 6:46 pm

Ok well finally got it out today with the help of a neighbour and his tig welder . He welded a nut onto the bolt and we both reckon it was the heat that did it as none of the previous options worked . Anyway I can get everything back together again as I have a replacement bolt ready to go.
Thanks again for everyones input

Mr Tidy · Post by **Mr Tidy** » Mon Jan 23, 2023 9:09 pm

Good to know you got there in the end!

Nick W · Post by **Nick W** » Mon Jan 23, 2023 11:35 pm

And most importantly, you can use the bolt again.

Smartbear · Post by **Smartbear** » Tue Jan 24, 2023 1:04 am

Nick W wrote: ↑Mon Jan 23, 2023 11:35 pm And most importantly, you can use the bolt again.

Please tell me you’re joking

Rob

Nick W · Post by **Nick W** » Tue Jan 24, 2023 9:54 am

Smartbear wrote: ↑Tue Jan 24, 2023 1:04 am
Nick W wrote: ↑Mon Jan 23, 2023 11:35 pm And most importantly, you can use the bolt again.
Please tell me you’re joking
Rob

You must admit, the middle bit of that thread looks sort of ok-ish.

1536Z4 · Post by **1536Z4** » Tue Jan 24, 2023 10:00 am

Nick W wrote: ↑Tue Jan 24, 2023 9:54 am You must admit, the middle bit of that thread looks sort of ok-ish.

I do like re using certain items but as I have a replacement bolt maybe not this time

Smartbear · Post by **Smartbear** » Tue Jan 24, 2023 10:06 am

Nick W wrote: ↑Tue Jan 24, 2023 9:54 am
Smartbear wrote: ↑Tue Jan 24, 2023 1:04 am
Nick W wrote: ↑Mon Jan 23, 2023 11:35 pm And most importantly, you can use the bolt again.
Please tell me you’re joking
Rob
You must admit, the middle bit of that thread looks sort of ok-ish.

You’re right, i was expecting it to be corroded but apart from a burred thread at the end it looks as though it should have unscrewed ok

Rob

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