Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here XJ (84-01)
All OEM related XJ specific tech. Examples, no start, general maintenance or anything that's stock.

Valve cover bolts

Old 11-26-2013, 11:45 AM
  #1  
Member
Thread Starter
 
Stuck-n-mud's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Mile from Tomken
Posts: 121
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Default Valve cover bolts

Well today was going to replace the gasket. Being a cold ares day here, I thought why not. Popped the hood and took my first ( real ) look at the thing. Well threw minor inspection I saw that it was missing a bolt??? So here's my question. Does anyone know the " spect's " on that bolt? Can I pick one up at the hardware store? As much as I would like to run to a JY and find one. The JY is a 2 hour drive, so that's out of the question right now. I do want to button this up, so any info is welcome
Thanks
Old 11-26-2013, 11:51 AM
  #2  
Member
 
JBimmolate's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Nor Cal
Posts: 197
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Year: 1994
Model: Grand Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Default

What year and engine? I have the 4.0 I can take a look for you.

Miles

Last edited by JBimmolate; 11-26-2013 at 11:53 AM.
Old 11-26-2013, 12:01 PM
  #3  
Member
Thread Starter
 
Stuck-n-mud's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Mile from Tomken
Posts: 121
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Default

89' 4.0 L
Thanks
Old 11-26-2013, 12:09 PM
  #4  
Junior Member
 
Turbo Supra's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2013
Posts: 61
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Model: Cherokee
Default

You could pull another one out and take it to any hardware store to have it matched.
Old 11-26-2013, 12:13 PM
  #5  
Member
Thread Starter
 
Stuck-n-mud's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Mile from Tomken
Posts: 121
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Default

Yeah that was the first thought, but it's my DD. don't really want to drive it with 2 bolts missing. Vs. 1 was counting on the vast knowledge here to help
Old 11-26-2013, 12:28 PM
  #6  
CF Veteran
 
CCKen's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Canton, MI
Posts: 8,357
Likes: 0
Received 82 Likes on 67 Posts
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Default

Later 4.0's have 1/4-20x1.00" bolts. Earlier had longer bolts I think.

Remove a bolt and measure the length and see. I think you'll find out they are 1/4-20 bolts.
Old 11-26-2013, 12:40 PM
  #7  
Member
Thread Starter
 
Stuck-n-mud's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Mile from Tomken
Posts: 121
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Default

Killer thanks guys.
Old 11-26-2013, 01:42 PM
  #8  
CF Veteran
 
5-90's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 3,018
Likes: 0
Received 13 Likes on 13 Posts
Year: 1988
Model: Cherokee
Engine: AMC242
Default

Originally Posted by Stuck-n-mud
Well today was going to replace the gasket. Being a cold ares day here, I thought why not. Popped the hood and took my first ( real ) look at the thing. Well threw minor inspection I saw that it was missing a bolt??? So here's my question. Does anyone know the " spect's " on that bolt? Can I pick one up at the hardware store? As much as I would like to run to a JY and find one. The JY is a 2 hour drive, so that's out of the question right now. I do want to button this up, so any info is welcome
Thanks
1/4"-20x1" for the cast valve cover, any head style will work.

I believe the later stamped cover takes 1/4"-20x3/4" (if anyone is looking.)

I like to use RTV on the screw threads as a version of LocTite - it allows retorquing without having to reapply.

There's not a lot of strain on those screws, so any metal material should work (I'd be loath to try ceramic or polymer... )
Old 11-26-2013, 03:37 PM
  #9  
CF Veteran
 
CCKen's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Canton, MI
Posts: 8,357
Likes: 0
Received 82 Likes on 67 Posts
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Default

Originally Posted by 5-90
1/4"-20x1" for the cast valve cover, any head style will work.

I believe the later stamped cover takes 1/4"-20x3/4" (if anyone is looking.)

I like to use RTV on the screw threads as a version of LocTite - it allows retorquing without having to reapply.

There's not a lot of strain on those screws, so any metal material should work (I'd be loath to try ceramic or polymer... )

My '99 stamped cover had 1" from the factory but I cut the 1" bolts I got as replacements down to 3/4" for the blind holes in the head. Lowes has some nice flange head 1/4-20X1" bolts (screws) so I use them.
Old 11-26-2013, 08:33 PM
  #10  
CF Veteran
 
5-90's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 3,018
Likes: 0
Received 13 Likes on 13 Posts
Year: 1988
Model: Cherokee
Engine: AMC242
Default

Originally Posted by CCKen
My '99 stamped cover had 1" from the factory but I cut the 1" bolts I got as replacements down to 3/4" for the blind holes in the head. Lowes has some nice flange head 1/4-20X1" bolts (screws) so I use them.
Heh. Sorry about that. A screw is a screw until you put a nut on it, then it's a bolt.

If it goes into internal threads in a mating part, it's a screw.
If it goes into a removable mating part (nut,) it's a bolt.

Pedantic, but I know no other way to be...
Old 11-26-2013, 09:23 PM
  #11  
Senior Member
 
prcherokee's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: FL.
Posts: 615
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Year: 2000
Model: Cherokee
Default

The words "bolt" and "screw" are ambiguous. Bolt or screw is not a physical thing; it is a matter of how a physical thing is used. However, there are those who have set about trying to define these words as precise engineering terms. The very nature of the common English use of these words renders that impossible. They further set themselves up as the ultimate authority on the meaning of these two words and chide accepted official standards for not adopting their “authoritative” definition.
Old 11-27-2013, 08:29 AM
  #12  
CF Veteran
 
CCKen's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Canton, MI
Posts: 8,357
Likes: 0
Received 82 Likes on 67 Posts
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Default

Originally Posted by 5-90
Heh. Sorry about that. A screw is a screw until you put a nut on it, then it's a bolt.

If it goes into internal threads in a mating part, it's a screw.
If it goes into a removable mating part (nut,) it's a bolt.

Pedantic, but I know no other way to be...
I guess I'm screwed if I don't call a bolt a screw.

The FSM, 4.0 torque specs, refers to the Cylinder Head Cover fasteners "Bolts", and the Parts Catalog refers to them as "Bolts".

I think I'll stick with calling these (and other) fasteners like them Bolts.
Old 11-27-2013, 08:44 AM
  #13  
Seasoned Member
 
HudsonN's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: New Milford, CT
Posts: 484
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes on 3 Posts
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Default

Originally Posted by CCKen
I think I'll stick with calling these (and other) fasteners like them Bolts.
Those are screws. You didn't hear?
Old 11-27-2013, 08:57 AM
  #14  
kgm
CF Veteran
 
kgm's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Denver
Posts: 1,589
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Year: 99
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Default

You're all nuts!
Old 11-27-2013, 10:57 AM
  #15  
Herp Derp Jerp
 
salad's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Parham, ON
Posts: 18,251
Likes: 0
Received 12 Likes on 11 Posts
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L OBD-II
Default

1/4"-20 but 11MM heads? Interesting.

Thread Tools
Search this Thread
Quick Reply: Valve cover bolts



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 03:27 AM.