Stator Cover Bolt Help?

[isleoman]

One of my stator cover bolts no longer tightens. Its one of the short ones on the top near the front of the cover. When you tighten it down it just spins when the head shoulders on the cover. I suspect that the threads in the case are stripped, sense the threads on the bolt look ok.

The bolts on either side, and all the other bolts, are fine and the cover sucks up firmly enough to the case that no oil comes out along the top seam of the cover. (Gravity working for me for a change.)

If there is not an easy way to fix it then I'm going to just leave it alone. The bolt has never back out over time due to vibration and its been like that for years.

Any suggestions?

[Dave8338]

There shouldn't be any oil on that side of life so, I'd use a small amount of lock tight on the bolt and thread it back in. It will look like it's doing its' job anyway. :-D

[isleoman]

Thanks Dave, will probably go that route.

[chef1366]

I'd try JB weld and drill it out or try a longer bolt. Sometimes there is more thead there it doesn't quite reach.

[rosco15]

Helicoils work on the case bolts pretty good.

[twistedwankel]

Are you sure you got it in the right hole?

One of my stator cover bolts no longer tightens. Its one of the short ones on the top near the front of the cover. When you tighten it down it just spins when the head shoulders on the cover. I suspect that the threads in the case are stripped, sense the threads on the bolt look ok.

The bolts on either side, and all the other bolts, are fine and the cover sucks up firmly enough

When you put the screws back in are you sure you got them in the right order? I always number mine and stick them in a cardboard. Three different lengths if I remember right.

If you really did strip it? You can run a proper tap and clean up the threads and run them a small bit deeper and do as previously suggested and get a slightly longer screw +5mm.

[isleoman]

When you put the screws back in are you sure you got them in the right order? I always number mine and stick them in a cardboard. Three different lengths if I remember right.

If you really did strip it? You can run a proper tap and clean up the threads and run them a small bit deeper and do as previously suggested and get a slightly longer screw +5mm.

With 100,000 miles on it, it's always possible that the bolts have been re-located incorrectly over time. I'll check into it. I'll also try the tap and a new bolt with lock tight and then leave it at that. Thanks to everyone for the suggestions.

The only problem it causes is needless worry in its anal retentive owner.

I definitely don't want to drill any deeper and go too far.

[argonsagas]

The depth is easy to check....just push a piece of wire into the hole, put your finger against the cover while holding the wire and remove the wire. Place the bolt against it and see if there is any difference.

If it really is stripped, and you do not wish to helicoil or drill into the case, you could try putting in a slightly-larger diameter stud, and then drill the cover to match and use a closed cap nut to hold it down.

[Pearson]

With 100,000 miles on it, it's always possible that the bolts have been re-located incorrectly over time.

The only problem it causes is needless worry in its anal retentive owner.

I definitely don't want to drill any deeper and go too far.

100k miles? Dude, it ain't broke, so don't fix it. :-D I read a thread here of one guy who went too far. That's a whole 'nother heap a trouble you don't need. Ride on!