Valve cover bolts - better option (IMO)

[DaBears]

(x-posting from RL)

I'm in the process of replacing the valve cover gaskets - both upper/lower - and have found like many that the hex head M6x30 Porsche hardware is a pain. Not only is it easy to strip the head w/ all the dirt/gunk that has accumulated over the years but with limited access getting an hex key or hex socket to fit, and fully seated, is difficult.

I'm more of a Mercedes guy and last year swapped a 4.3 AMG V8 for a newer 5.4 AMG into a 1998 C43 AMG - both engines in the M113 family. I've also wrenched a lot on a BMW E46 "lemons" track car. Both vehicles have "external torx" hardware or e-torx. I've found e-torx, once you have the right tools, is a dream to work with. The fasteners can be dirty, access/visibility poor, and straight-on angles impossible - yet I can always get a good connection and free the bolts. Even with less then desirable tools you can still get the job done - which I demonstrated below.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Torx

After fighting with the Porsche hex heads, in particular the bolt right behind the heat exchanger inlet, I thought of a better option. As luck would have it - the M113 valve cover bolts are also M6x30 and I had enough from the engine swap for 1+ 993 valve covers. I ordered Mercedes part # is 001-990-83-22 for the rest (paid $2 each). These have a E10 head.

You can thread these by hand most of the way as the heads are easier to grip. The angles are MUCH more forgiving - I used a wobble extension with the socket. You can also use a wrench in tight areas. Additionally - I didn't even have the right tools! I couldn't find my E10 socket and used a E12 on some bolts as well as the E10 wrench. The bolt behind the heat exchanger is still problematic. Unfortunately my E10 wrench isn't bent/offset - which would have been perfect. I found a regular hex 8MM closed end offset/bent wrench worked great.

Both lowers complete w/ the tools on hand. Before I do the uppers I'm going to find my E10 socket and buy another E10 wrench and put an offset bend into it (assuming I can't find one pre-bent to buy).

Hope this tip helps some. Clearly not for the purists but still Stuttgart DNA w/ the Mercedes parts and vastly superior hardware. Not sure what coating/treatment is on the MB bolts - very rust/corrosion resistant as an added bonus.

[RedCoupe]

The valve cover fittings must have changed from the 964 to the 993. My 964 (and my g-model 911 as well) use studs with nylock nuts and washers to secure the valve covers. Works just fine.

[DaBears]

Must be. These bolts seem to be a common annoyance for 993 valve cover jobs. Not a huge fan of dealing with studs vs. a bolt but would be better then the hex head.