89 Buick Electra/Park Avenue Valve Cover Bolts

[jiveabillion]

I was changing my old and leaky valve cover bolt gromets when one of the bolts snapped with very little force applied. I was able to get the broken piece out, but now I have a nice big hole for oil to leak out of. Is there a place where I can order new bolts or do I have to go to the junk yard?

I have searched online but I cant find anything that basically says " These are the bolts that go to a first series 3800 GM engine." Maybe someone can tell me what to look for.

*edit*
I did find this website that has a bunch of different bolt sets. http://store.summitracing.com/egnsea...5&autoview=sku
can someone tell me if any of those will work and which ones please?

Thanks!

[wrightz28]

Undoubtedly the ones from summit will be for the 3800 turbo for a Regal Grand National. I don't know if they'd be the same or not. If they're cheap enough, why not give it a whurl

Have you checked with the local parts outlets? Somebody has to have them, if not then I'd hit the boneyards for them.

I'm going to have to assume that either, someone prior overtightened the bolts to "cure" the leak by smashing the gasket down (not a very effective method) or you used a 3/8 ratchet on them, where a 1/4 drive should have been used for less torque.

[jiveabillion]

I ordered some to try it out. They really werent very cheap ($27), but they look close to what I have.

I used a stubby 1/2 ratchet to put them on last time. I guess I used too much torque.

[wrightz28]

Originally Posted by jiveabillion

I used a stubby 1/2 ratchet to put them on last time. I guess I used too much torque.

Yeah, I think they only call for something like 15-20 in lbs, so that's basically snug with a 1/4".

['97ventureowner]

What I've done in the past is take a sample ( another bolt that is in good shape) to my hardware store and match one up from their "nut and bolt display". Make sure it is exactly the same length and thread size ( coarse or fine.) Sometimes , however you can't match one up as they tend to be very specific and may be off in length by just a hair. In that case finding one in a salvage yard might be a good , inexpensive bet.

[wrightz28]

Originally Posted by '97ventureowner

What I've done in the past is take a sample ( another bolt that is in good shape) to my hardware store and match one up from their "nut and bolt display". Make sure it is exactly the same length and thread size ( coarse or fine.) Sometimes , however you can't match one up as they tend to be very specific and may be off in length by just a hair. In that case finding one in a salvage yard might be a good , inexpensive bet.

Not this time, this motor uses a big honk'n gasket at the base of 3 locknuts.

Which it jsut hit me, my Toyota's came (same basic design) with new ones in the gasket box?