Broken valve cover studs!!

[Scott98]

I'm in the middle of doing my first ever valve adjustment and when I removed the lower valve cover, two studs came out with the valve cover bolts still attached! Is this a bad problem? Do I simply screw them back in? If so, how?

The first pick shows where one of the studs came out. The second pic is of the two studs. Both came out of the top part of the housing.


Thanks,

Scott

[Wil Ferch]

They're probably not broken.. I hate this design as the stud screws in the case and the nut ( on top) itself screws onto the stud.

Here's what-ya do.....

Double-nut the stud and screw it back into the case. Then, separate the double nut and back-off both nuts completely. Attach the valve cover and normally attach the nut.

If you want, add blue Loctite to the stud before you double-nut it back in....

Clever Germans !!!.....

- Wil

[Scott98]

Originally posted by Wil Ferch
They're probably not broken.. I hate this design as the stud screws in the case and the nut ( on top) itself screws onto the stud.

Here's what-ya do.....

Double-nut the stud and screw it back into the case. Then, separate the double nut and back-off both nuts completely. Attach the valve cover and normally attach the nut.

If you want, add blue Loctite to the stud before you double-nut it back in....

Clever Germans !!!.....

- Wil

Thanks. I panicked a bit when it first happened but the more I looked at it the more I realized it was probably something minor. I will do just as you said to screw them back in. I don't think it will be a problem.

I just got all four valve covers removed and am going to begin adjusting the valves. Man is it a tight fit!!! I have no idea how I'm going to adjust the valves on the intake side but I guess I will figure it out when I'm in there.

I could not find the Z1 stamp on my crank pulley. I found the TDC notch on the pulley and distributor but I can't find Z1 written anywhere.

Scott

[Wil Ferch]

Look here for TDC ---> here's some info -->

Looking for TDC

Plus, look up Doug / 2.7Racer method of adjusting valves....much easier than standard method.--> http://www.pelicanparts.com/techarticles/911_backside_valveadjust/911_backside_valveadjust.htm

- Wil

EDIT - proper links now shown above... didn't load before !

[Zef]

Originally posted by Wil Ferch
They're probably not broken.. I hate this design as the stud screws in the case and the nut ( on top) itself screws onto the stud.

Here's what-ya do.....

Double-nut the stud and screw it back into the case. Then, separate the double nut and back-off both nuts completely. Attach the valve cover and normally attach the nut.

If you want, add blue Loctite to the stud before you double-nut it back in....

Clever Germans !!!.....

- Wil

Locktite is essential if you don't want to have the same problem at the next valve adjustment....

[911pcars]

As for the repair, use a dab of Loctite on the threads and screw them back in to the same height as the others. Blue is sufficient for this application.

Sherwood

[ChrisBennet]

Studs backing out is very common. (Sometimes it even makes getting the valve covers off easier.)
In addition to what the other folks said, I would suggest cleaning up the rusty threads on the nutted with a wire wheel or run a die over them. Otherwise the next nuts you put on are going to go on hard - and come off hard.
Note that when you go to put the valve covers on, the nuts require very little torque. If you tighten them up "tight" you will warp the valve covers. The nuts are locking so they aren't going to come off.
-Chris