While trying to replace the plugs in my 1999 2.7L one of the threaded inserts that secure the coils to the valve cover came out with the screw. I talked with a parts guy at the local dealership, but there was no listing for just the insert. This should be a simple repair that can be accomplished with a standard kit. Can anyone recommend any particular type or brand of repair kit that they have had success with? I think from the size of the hole that Heli-Coils may be out of the question here, especially since there was an insert inside initially.

 

so you are saying the insert in the plastic valve cover pulled out? no you can't helicoil. you have 2 options, replace the valve cover, or take a chance of bonding the insert back in with JB weld or equiv.

what side did this happen? I've got a valve cover laying around you can have free just pay shipping.

 

Thanks for your offer and advice. This happened on the right side.

How big of a job is this to replace the valve cover? I am an amateur at best, having just taken the entire weekend to remove and reinstall the starter. Also, what other potential problems will I be looking at attempting to remove the valve cover? I should add that this car has been sitting for two years idle in my garage, probably a contributing factor to my corroded/seized coil screw.

 

you get a service manual

you remove upper intake,

you remove coils,

you remove bolts that hold valve cover to head,

you remove valve cover.

 

have you tried the Plastic sleeve for construction? it is a cheap easy trick that might work. You find them pretty much any hardware store or homedepot.


Altho you might need a washer on the screw.

 

you're really not a mechanic are you.? and I'll bet you never actually worked on a 2.7.

 

Sounds simple enough. I have a Chilton's book that said the same thing. I was just a little concerned that it sounded too easy. Gonna look into some inserts I found in the MSC catalog to see if any of them might work first. Worse case scenario, I change the valve cover anyway.

 

if you really want to ghetto hack it together, just get a long self tapping sheetmetal screw and ram into the valve cover. gob some RTV around the screw so you don't have an oil leak.

those plastic wall anchors will never work but heck since booger work is what's being recommended, might as well add some more to the mix

 

Lol, I am an amateur, not a hack. I do know a bit better than to stuff a plastic drywall anchor into my valve cover. The inserts I am considering are steel with an external thread size of M8, or 6.8 mm drill diameter. The only thing I am still unsure of is the ability to tap the M8 thread into the plastic valve cover.

 

I checked my inventory and I only have a driver side valve cover. I'd give it to you for the cost of shipping