Calling all LS builders!

[Steve Cole]

Okay, sorry for the dumb question, but what is the best way to install the valve cover bolt grommets? Put the grommets in the valve cover then push the bolts through? Or put the grommets on the bolts first then push through the cover?
I thought the first method would be best but it didn't end well.
I saw a video where a guy heated the grommets in the oven and they were much more pliable.

Thanks.

[mongocanfly]

grommets in the cover before trying to install bolts..a little lube will help sliding bolt thru..

[Steve Cole]

Thanks Mongo, that is what I did and it worked fine for the two inner holes, but the two outer holes where the material is thicker, the lower part of the grommet broke off while trying to push the bolt through. I was even using a tapered "bullet" to gradually transition to the bolt sleeve diameter. Oh well, I will buy another set and try to warm them up first so they are a little more pliable. These were aftermarket, and hard as a rock.

Your name isn't Chris by chance is it?

[mongocanfly]

nope...not Chris. ..my given name is Greg. .but nobody calls me that anymore. .

[Steve Cole]

I had to ask. I grew up in Alabama, ( Roll Tide) and was friends with a guy everyone called Mongo who happened to have a '68 stepper in high school.

[truckdude239]

i hate to say i never change the bolt grommets and i never had one leak from the bolts

[solidaxel]

Have you tried to remove the plastic oil fill tube on the pass. valve cover??

[Steve Cole]

Originally Posted by solidaxel

Have you tried to remove the plastic oil fill tube on the pass. valve cover??

No, why? Is it hard?

[solidaxel]

There must be a secret way to remove it without destroying it!
Do you know if they sell the rubber groments for the hold down bolts in the valve covers?

[mongocanfly]

https://www.amazon.com/Valve-Center-.../dp/B01FFZW9M6

oil fill tube removal..You need to take the valve cover off to remove the neck. There is a locking tab underneath the valve cover to release the neck.

[Steve Cole]

Do you know if they sell the rubber groments for the hold down bolts in the valve covers?[/QUOTE]

The rubber grommets are what I started this post about. I tried to install them the way Mongo described, it made the most sense but I had very bad luck doing it that way. The grommets kept breaking when I tried to push the bolt thru. The back half would tear off. I tried warming them in the oven to soften them up a bit, then dipped the bolts in oil before pushing them thru but nothing helped. Out of two sets, I tore at least 4 of them. I ended up installing the grommets on the bolts first then pushing them in the cover as much as I could then drawing them in by torquing down the bolts. I have no idea if they seated correctly on the backside or not.

[solidaxel]

Thanks I am at that spot now

I found the groments at the parts store here in town
I did stop at the GMC dealer first, just to see if I could get a part number
he did not have any and had to get them out of Phoenix
,,,,,,,,,,,,,, and only 8.61 EACH

Let us know if you have any oil leaks from the hold down bolts, I guess that will answer the question if they are seated in the V C!

[solidaxel]

Originally Posted by mongocanfly

https://www.amazon.com/Valve-Center-.../dp/B01FFZW9M6

oil fill tube removal..You need to take the valve cover off to remove the neck. There is a locking tab underneath the valve cover to release the neck.

I found some locally and 8.95 for 8

I thank you for telling me the secret on removal of the filler tube.

[solidaxel]

Steve, thanks for motivating me with your post on the valve cover bolts
I have been avoiding this project............. because the VC were "dirty"!

[Steve Cole]

Good luck and let me know how it goes!

[87chevy.com]

I have no idea why these would be hard If they were new. The felpro valve cover gasket kit came with them. Same rubber as the cover seal. Just installed on the bolt forst then on the cover.
Clint

[v30crewcab]

I used a deepwell socket, some pb, and a vice to push mine together. didn't have much problem.

[solidaxel]

Originally Posted by mongocanfly

https://www.amazon.com/Valve-Center-.../dp/B01FFZW9M6

oil fill tube removal..You need to take the valve cover off to remove the neck. There is a locking tab underneath the valve cover to release the neck.

Everything is cleaned up BUT the slot on the bottom side of the oil fill tube will turn about 3-5* so it is loose but, I can not find the tab in the slot on the underside of the filler
I am sure it is there, but my pocket screwdriver will not catch the tab to release it
AND when it is off what are the options for a oil fill cap, looking for a short cap

[mongocanfly]

i saw a video where a guy just twisted his out...
never tried it but this from lstech says cap will fit right on the valve cover...
https://ls1tech.com/forums/generatio...ther-part.html

[solidaxel]

Thanks Steve Cole for letting me in on your thread
And to Mongo for pointing me in the right direction........ I will try the ice pick now that I know what I am looking for, good pic !

[Steve Cole]

Good luck! Let us know how it works out. Pics are nice too.

[indymachinist]

Fill cap will absolutely fit right into the valve cover directly. I have done it and it works fine.

Also, 98-02 Camaro had a shorter plastic filler neck if you still want to use one.

https://m.summitracing.com/parts/rnb...iABEgKNT_D_BwE

[Rich84]

Mine just twisted right out..and the cap went right on.

[solidaxel]

Originally Posted by Rich84

Mine just twisted right out..and the cap went right on.

I tried the ice pick trick but I guess frustration took over and I push pulled pried and had a screw driver under the lip and twisted some more and finally I had it out!

You are right the cap is made to screw right in place of the tube, now on to the power coater

Thanks guys for the help