Engine The impossible to access 258 valve cover bolt.

[jzak]

Hey Guys,

For you AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l owners out there, wanted to get your opinion on the best way to tighten down that valve cover bolt located up against the firewall. I've got a bad track record with valve cover gaskets, so last time I had a shop do it. It sealed fine for a few years, but just recently it started leaking again. Took a closer look back there, and it turned out the mechanic never bothered putting in a bolt. He just RTV'd the hell out of it. I'm going to try replacing the gasket, but nothing I have can access that area. I bought Hex T-Key allen wrench set, which helped with the other bolts, but that S.O.B. seems impossible to get at.

Any suggestions?

Thanks!

J

 

[Manic Mechanic]

I replaced my bolts with studs then used a dab of locktite haven't had any issues yet

 

[Belizean]

I bought these when I upgraded my Dana 300 . These work great for i guess it’s a cap screw. Long enough and I could actually turn them by hand. I also used one of those orange silicone gasket and it’s great.

 

[boney]

As above. I use allen key cap screws for this exact reason. I have a cork gasket under my aluminum cast cover and still that one screw comes loose periodically. Go figure.

I'd love to hear about the orange silicone gasket.

 

[Belizean]

As above. I use allen key cap screws for this exact reason. I have a cork gasket under my aluminum cast cover and still that one screw comes loose periodically. Go figure.

I'd love to hear about the orange silicone gasket.

Supposed to be reusable. Cleaned everything up real well and put it on the head then the valve cover on after that. Without the adhesive, it made it simple.

 

[KRUPP]

To get a bit more clearance between the back of the valve cover and the firewall, disconnect the Transmission mount at the cross pan (only 3 nuts) and jack the rear of the drivetrain up from the bottom of the bell housing. It gives you about another inch of room to fenagle down between there.

 

[Belizean]

To get a bit more clearance between the back of the valve cover and the firewall, disconnect the Transmission mount at the cross pan (only 3 nuts) and jack the rear of the drivetrain up from the bottom of the bell housing. It gives you about another inch of room to fenagle down between there.

Someone suggested that to me, but with that long tool above, i was able to make sure with my right hand it was in place on the bolt and turn it from above with my left hand and arm resting on the valve cover. Before finding that tool it was a struggle with an allen wrench.