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1997 XJ8 electronic coil bolts and bolts for the cover
Greetings! The little bolts holding the coil over the spark plug, as well as the little bolts holding the flat cover over the coils, have what appears to be brass inserts with threads, obviously for the little bolts to thread into, but the brass
inserts, obviously pressed in at the factory, are popping out, and will no longer fit securely into the hole. Is there a source for new brass inserts? (gossetts?) or has anyone tapped the hole to thread for new, bigger diameter bolts? Is there perhaps a coil spring which could be placed in the hole to allow for an attachment? I can't possibly be the first with this issue. Thanks for any help. Partner Buddy Unit.
I have run across that many, many times. The way we repair that is when we have the valve cover off usually for a new gasket and/or tensioner replacement. It’s hard to believe we still get the original plastic tensioners on these cars from time to time…. Anyways, we clean out the holes with brake cleaner and blowing it dry with compressed air. JBweld in the holes and using a small ball peen hammer to gently tap them in. Letting them dry 24 hours undisturbed would be ideal. The only other way that I know of would be to have slightly oversized brass inserts but, I wouldn’t know of a source.
Those coil cover bolts seem to come in two lengths. The bolts on my son's 1999 were a bit shorter and if he installed the longer ones, the brass insert would get pushed out or make a hole through into the valve cover. (It happened) Fortunately I had another valve cover to replace it.
+1 for the JB Weld repair that Addicted described. JB Weld, Permatex and Loctite all now have special plastic-bonding epoxies, and the next time I have to do this repair I'm going to give one of those products a try. The Permatex Black Plastic Welder would probably blend in with the cam cover to form a virtually invisible repair.
Another thing to keep in mind is that these screws do not need to be very tight - just "snug" enough to resist vibrating loose. And the use of any kind of threadlocker is just asking for trouble the next time you need to remove the screws.
brass knurled nuts for electronic coil and covers on 97 xj8
Originally Posted by Addicted2boost
I have run across that many, many times. The way we repair that is when we have the valve cover off usually for a new gasket and/or tensioner replacement. It’s hard to believe we still get the original plastic tensioners on these cars from time to time…. Anyways, we clean out the holes with brake cleaner and blowing it dry with compressed air. JBweld in the holes and using a small ball peen hammer to gently tap them in. Letting them dry 24 hours undisturbed would be ideal. The only other way that I know of would be to have slightly oversized brass inserts but, I wouldn’t know of a source.
Thank You! Thank You! I get it, will do, have done this in similar situations in the past. My main problem is that some yoyo mechanic thought he was doing me a favor and LOST most of the brass press in nuts. Any idea where I could get some more? Even if I JB weld them in, it's ok. Otherwise I'll need to fill, drill, and tap. Lots of trial and error...perhaps I can find a composite dowel.. Thanks again. PBUD
How many do you need total for both sides?
Also, is your car an import as the US spec X308’s which were in fact made in 97’ but were classified as a 98’ model year vehicle.
Last edited by Addicted2boost; 04-06-2024 at 09:50 AM.
For replacement threaded inserts, try McMaster-Carr. I didn't see brass metric ones in a very quick search, but they have stainless steel ones that should work fine. See the link below.
On our '01 and '03 AJ27s, the coil cover screws are M5 X 0.8 thread and 23 mm long. The first 2 or 3 mm of the shaft is unthreaded, so 20 mm screws would probably work. I didn't take the time to remove a cover to check the coil screws, but you should be able to tell if they are the same or possibly M6 X 1.0 thread.
For replacement threaded inserts, try McMaster-Carr. I didn't see brass metric ones in a very quick search, but they have stainless steel ones that should work fine. See the link below.
On our '01 and '03 AJ27s, the coil cover screws are M5 X 0.8 thread and 23 mm long. The first 2 or 3 mm of the shaft is unthreaded, so 20 mm screws would probably work. I didn't take the time to remove a cover to check the coil screws, but you should be able to tell if they are the same or possibly M6 X 1.0 thread.
04-05-2024, 10:23 PM
1997 XJ8 electronic coil bolts and bolts for the cover
