[Mhancock309]

I am replacing valve cover gaskets on my '05 GLX V6 after removing the passenger side cover I accidentally dropped the spring clip from the cam position sensor into the timing chain cavity. I tried to take out the camshaft and chain tensioner but the very last bolt I needed to get out I stripped the torx head. Of course this is the second to lowest bolt at the back of the engine and there is no room to get vice grips on the head. This bolt also needs to come out so I can replace the cam seal which is leaking. Does anyone have a suggestion on how to extract this bolt? I can't get a drill in to drill it out. Should I try to chisel it off?

After that fiasco I went after the drivers side. all was going smoothly until the final bolt tightening the cams back down and wouldn't you know I broke the final bolt below the surface of the engine block. Is there anything I need to know about prepping for bolt extraction?

Any advice is greatly appreciated. Thank you

 

[PZ]

Only the intake cam needs to be removed to take out the CCT. You can try a bolt extractor that fits over the head of the bolt and uses a socket to remove the bolt. You can also try using a chisel to break loose the bolt, chipping at the top from an angle. Since the head is Aluminum, I would not try to chisel the head off the bolt as it may pull out the threads.

For the driver's side, depending on how far down the bolt is, you can try a pick to thread the bolt back out. I've been able to do that once or twice. Otherwise, you will need to drill. If you can find a reverse thread drill bit, it may come out with that.

 

[Mhancock309]

Thanks PZ! I had a friend recommend to weld a nut to the head of the bolt. I did no like that idea much as it seems likely to produce more problems. I found a couple of nice extractor kits. Now I just need to get to the dealership to get replacement bolts and dig in.