Valve Cover Studs
07-05-2018, 09:54 AM
#1
Newbie
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2018
Location: PA
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Year: 1989
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
Valve Cover Studs
I want to replace the valve cover bolts in my ‘89 4.0 with studs. Can’t seem to find any engine specific sets/kits at the parts stores or Jeep parts sites online. I’d rather install a set that’s designed for the engine opposed to matching bolts at the hardware store. It’s getting close to the York Jeep show so I don’t have many weekends to get this thing back together
07-05-2018, 10:05 AM
#2
Junior Member
Join Date: May 2018
Location: Jacksonville, AL
Posts: 39
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Year: 1997
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0 I6
I would say that since the engine did not come stock with studs that you will not find a ready made kit. I would check the thread size and then just get studs to match the thread size.
07-05-2018, 10:33 AM
#4
CF Veteran
Join Date: Nov 2017
Location: Groton, MA
Posts: 3,695
Received 234 Likes
on
207 Posts
Year: 1995
Model: Cherokee(XJ)
Engine: I6 4.0L
I can usually find exactly what I need at my local Ace hardware stores. There's one in walking distance that's really good as far as fastener selection on hand and one within 12 miles that is even better. There's only 2 bolts that between the two of them that I couldn't find an exact replacement in the store - the leaf spring/control arm M14 bolts and the odd metric bell-housing fasteners that secure the spacer plate to the bell-housing. I was easily and inexpensively able to get Mopar bolts for the leaf springs and I pulled the bell-housing bolts off my old TJ.
You should be able to pull at least one of the existing studs and find a comparable match if you have a good hardware store near you. As a bonus, the bolts will be nice and shiny when you go to your show.
You should be able to pull at least one of the existing studs and find a comparable match if you have a good hardware store near you. As a bonus, the bolts will be nice and shiny when you go to your show.
07-05-2018, 01:24 PM
#6
Newbie
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2018
Location: PA
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Year: 1989
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
easier to line up the valve cover, keeps the gasket from moving while setting the valve cover, and easier to replace the rear fastener (bolt). It’s an old engine and the gasket has been replaced at least once, still scraping the PO’s permatex instagasket mess. But it’s the original bolts and some of them are rounded pretty bad. So I’m gonna replace the bolts anyways, might as well make things easier for future valve cover work
07-05-2018, 02:05 PM
#7
Member
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Tacoma, Washington
Posts: 199
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes
on
2 Posts
Year: 1995
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 inline 6
Doesn't the newest version of the Felpro valve cover gasket come with little plastic bolt-hole alignment studs? Or is that just for their oil pan gasket.
Also.. Their instructions say to install the gasket dry. No silicone at all. I've done that and had no leaks. So I trust them.
Also.. Their instructions say to install the gasket dry. No silicone at all. I've done that and had no leaks. So I trust them.
Trending Topics
07-05-2018, 04:11 PM
#8
Newbie
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2018
Location: PA
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Year: 1989
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
The oil pan gasket has those plastic studs. They’re awesome, you don’t have to lay the gasket on the pan and hope for the best twisting that thing into place while maneuvering around the axle. I still have them from when I changed the oil pan awhile back. The valve cover gasket doesn’t come with them. I don’t think they’ll work with the aluminum cover. The holes are thicker/taller than the oil pan. I’ll check after dinner.
Still gonna search for studs to replace the bolts.
Still gonna search for studs to replace the bolts.
07-05-2018, 07:01 PM
#10
Newbie
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2018
Location: PA
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Year: 1989
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
Yep those pan guides won’t fit in the holes. I’m gonna have to take a bolt and match it at the hardware store. Can’t find anything online. I think this stud idea is gonna eat up some of my weekend repair time.
07-12-2018, 07:18 PM
#11
Junior Member
Join Date: May 2018
Location: Jacksonville, AL
Posts: 39
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Year: 1997
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0 I6
Doesn't the newest version of the Felpro valve cover gasket come with little plastic bolt-hole alignment studs? Or is that just for their oil pan gasket.
Also.. Their instructions say to install the gasket dry. No silicone at all. I've done that and had no leaks. So I trust them.
Also.. Their instructions say to install the gasket dry. No silicone at all. I've done that and had no leaks. So I trust them.
But studs are good too,,,
07-13-2018, 04:23 AM
#12
Newbie
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2018
Location: PA
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Year: 1989
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
I used some Ford 1 inch 1/4 x 20 studs. Doesn’t really serve any purpose. I thought the studs would make it easier to remove/replace the cover but it doesn’t.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
mannydantyla
Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here
10
05-07-2020 10:56 AM
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)