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

 

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

Miles

 

89' 4.0 L
Thanks

 

You could pull another one out and take it to any hardware store to have it matched.

 

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

 

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.

 

Killer thanks guys.

 

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.

 

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...

 

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.

 

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.

 

Those are screws. You didn't hear?

 

You're all nuts!

 

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