Stripped valve cover bolts

OnixMax

Member
Oct 7, 2013
66
0
6
So, I'm doing injectors on my 03 LB7, and the back 2 upper valve cover bolts (closest to the firewall on the drivers side) are stripped. I've tried using a T30, 6mm hex, heating it and pounding a 6 point 3/8 on it, grabbing it with vice grips, and nothing has worked. I don't think there's enough room to get an extractor in there... Ideas?

I've removed just about everything from that side, including unbolting the steering shaft boot and moving it down...


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DAVe3283

Heavy & Slow
Sep 3, 2009
3,724
292
83
Boise, ID, USA
I had to take a small die grinder (or dremel with cutoff wheel should work) and cut a groove in it. I then used an impact driver. Those bolts are a PITA. When I put them back on, I barely went more than finger tight, and so far no oil leaks. Hopefully they come off easier next time.
 

OnixMax

Member
Oct 7, 2013
66
0
6
I had to take a small die grinder (or dremel with cutoff wheel should work) and cut a groove in it. I then used an impact driver. Those bolts are a PITA. When I put them back on, I barely went more than finger tight, and so far no oil leaks. Hopefully they come off easier next time.


Hopefully there won't be a next time!!

But yeah, I couldn't get anything in there so my dad took a hacksaw blade, broke 1/4 of it off and cut a groove into the bolt. Still got nothing.. Packed it up for tonight....


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Woody87

Member
May 6, 2010
58
0
6
Mt. Vernon, IN
Dremel with the flexshaft attachment and cutoff wheel. Cut the head off. Once you get the lower valve cover off you can get the rest of it out.
 

OnixMax

Member
Oct 7, 2013
66
0
6
Dremel with the flexshaft attachment and cutoff wheel. Cut the head off. Once you get the lower valve cover off you can get the rest of it out.


Cutoff wheel is my next option... Gonna try after work today


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OnixMax

Member
Oct 7, 2013
66
0
6
I've used a 12 point socket to remove one of those before. 10m or 3/8 whatever fits it.


Tried the 12 point and just can't get a good angle on them. 6 pt is a little tighter and couldn't make that work


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hopkins_fam

New member
Oct 18, 2013
91
0
0
Tried the 12 point and just can't get a good angle on them. 6 pt is a little tighter and couldn't make that work


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If i can't get a socket to bite by beating it over the top, then try a size or 2 bigger torx (star) bit. Always worked for me. Find one a size or 2 bigger and hammer it in