Stripped bolt hole from timing belt change... Important?

Big Montana · **Posted:** Mon Aug 20, 2012 11:29 am

Ok, so I posted already about my small problem with the dealership job on my timing belt change. My Jeep seems to be running fine, so that's the good news, but I need some advice.

The intake pin hole requires a "plug" and copper washer according to the parts list I downloaded from this site. The dealership replaced mine with a bolt and a metal sleeve.

I have not heard back from the dealer after two attempts, so I am going down there today to get to the bottom of this. I decided that I wanted pictures of the bolt though just in case they screwed something up with my intake camshaft and said "What bolt?" I took the bolt off today and guess what I found inside? Little aluminum metal shavings from the stripped threads!

First of all, how the hell does this happen? -Did the mechanic attempt to do something with the locking pins in place? Secondly, do I need to worry about any other metal shavings causing problems inside of my valve cover? Lastly, can this be fixed short of a new valve cover? What I mean is, if they tap out a larger hole, will this impact future timing belt changes as they attempt to line up the locking pins?

I may be fine (other than left wondering why the hell the dealership can't take out a simple bolt) but I need to know immediately what they are responsible for.

Big Montana · **Posted:** Mon Aug 20, 2012 11:32 am

Here's the locking pin hole on the intake side.

geordi · **Posted:** Mon Aug 20, 2012 1:34 pm

Looks like they ruined only the last 3 threads (or the first 3 threads) which is EXACTLY where the key screws in. Seems like the genius either unlocked the cams without using the big handle correctly and / or did it with the keys still in place and the key shifted in its bore, ruining the threads.

I just swapped my entire valve cover because of that, YES IT WILL affect your ability to properly line up the timing next time, potentially you might not even be able to use the proper cam key if they attempt to drill it out and use a helicoil to re-size it.

msilbernagel · **Posted:** Mon Aug 20, 2012 1:48 pm

Actually, it's fairly likely if the mechanic isn't familiar with the procedure.

The service manual says those plugs are to be torqued to 10.8Nm (95 INCH-pounds)... so if they don't bother to look it up, it's rather likely to be stripped.

Normally you could tap it a step larger but in this case that would prevent the alignment pins from working next time.

They should either remove the engine cover and install an insert or (given it's under pressure), replace the engine cover.

My guess is that they're figuring you'll not perform the procedure again during the life of the engine.. and that the odds are in their favor it won't become an issue.

If they fold their arms and refuse to make it right, you might consider a document on their letterhead stating that they'll perform the full repair when and as needed in the future, at no cost for parts or labor, should it become necessary. Just a thought, that one.

I'd be pretty pissed about the shavings in my engine too.

Mark

Big Montana · **Posted:** Mon Aug 20, 2012 2:03 pm

Hmmmm... That's what I was afraid you were going to say. I just got back from the dealer. The mechanic said that he stripped the INSIDE of the hex bolt trying to get it out, so he replaced it with the newer bolt with "banjos" on that sleeve thing to not leak oil. I explained that it was leaking oil anyway, so he replaced it again with the same thing. We'll see how this one goes. I'm worried about the threads now... It seems pretty obvious that he didn't strip them while trying to take it out. If he didn't follow the correct procedure with the locking pun in place then I may need them to document that somehow. If I still own this Jeep for the next timing belt job they'll need to be responsible. I'm assuming there are still ways around the change so long as they're doing it next time too.

On another note, he said that he doesn't remember removing my heat shield near the thermostat. The service agent said they'll replace it regardless, but I'm curious to know if the shield needs to come off to get to the water pump. I did have the thermostat replaced a while ago at a different shop and I suppose they could have done it, but I think the shiny bolt holes would have looked more corroded if they were open for that long.

Oh and he also plugged in my MAP again. Since they deleted my GDE tune, I had it unplugged and he must have thought he was doing me a favor.

I'm going back Thursday morning to get the recall finished and the heat shield installed, then I'm off to GDE to get my tune back. I don't think I want to go to this dealer again. I'm not angry and I know crap happens, but this is just something I shouldn't have to deal with for the price I paid. The agent was very polite and helpful, but he must think I'm crazy for walking in with color photos of my Jeep and diagrams from the FSM for reference. They probably won't miss my business.

Stripped bolt hole from timing belt change... Important?

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