Plastic Engine Cover

Had an issue removing the plastic cover on the top of the engine that says Vortec. The 8mm bolt that holds it down just spins and won’t come out. I did manage to get the cover off but had to tear apart the rubber bushing under the bolt. I’ve tried a couple different methods, but the bolt will not come out of the plastic pillar. I’ve seen a couple different threads on this, but can’t really seem to find an answer.

Is the plastic pillar it screws into replaceable?

To be BRUTALLY honest. I always take my engine covers off and toss them. They retain heat, get in the way and just have ZERO functionality on an engine. Especially when you need to replace the oil pressure sensor.
Your call if you want to reinstall it.

BattleTank said:

To be BRUTALLY honest. I always take my engine covers off and toss them. They retain heat, get in the way and just have ZERO functionality on an engine. Especially when you need to replace the oil pressure sensor.
Your call if you want to reinstall it.

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That doesn’t really answer my question

diezelraccoon said:

That doesn’t really answer my question

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I'm sure it is a dealer part #. That little piece is probably like $40 from them

diezelraccoon said:

Had an issue removing the plastic cover on the top of the engine that says Vortec. The 8mm bolt that holds it down just spins and won’t come out. I did manage to get the cover off but had to tear apart the rubber bushing under the bolt. I’ve tried a couple different methods, but the bolt will not come out of the plastic pillar. I’ve seen a couple different threads on this, but can’t really seem to find an answer.

Is the plastic pillar it screws into replaceable?View attachment 431922

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I believe the tower is glued in place and not considered replaceable and not available. the metal insert can be removed with a puller, but finding a replacement may be another problem. The bore of the tower is already damaged by the insert rotating, as the cap screw is turned to remove and will be damaged more when the insert is pulled out. You may consider living with the condition until you have to service the engine and then replace the entire unit. In the mean time, rotate the hex and see if the insert is rotating the the tower or the if the screw is rotating in the insert. Adding a trickle of crazy glue to the joint may be enough to remove the screw. Be aware the hole in the tower will be damaged and may require a glue in or oversize replacement.
Wait, is this a different tower that I remember. Bring in the the data, and history of this vehicle.

diezelraccoon said:

That doesn’t really answer my question.

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Actually, it does, for 100% less time energy and money than you are about to waste on a functionally irrelevant piece of plastic.
Ask ANY mechanic what THEY do with them.

You can get a helicoil and rethread it. Take one of the other bolts (they are same size) go to hardware store and use the bolt size tool by loose fasteners in store and figure out thread size. Then go to eBay and order helicoil kit.

Or maybe some here knows the size of that bolt and its thread pitch?

I got rid of all my covers, including fancy ones on my vette. Just saying they serve no purpose other than if you are entering a car show.

Matthew Jeschke said:

You can get a helicoil and rethread it. Take one of the other bolts (they are same size) go to hardware store and use the bolt size tool by loose fasteners in store and figure out thread size. Then go to eBay and order helicoil kit.

Or maybe some here knows the size of that bolt and its thread pitch?

I got rid of all my covers, including fancy ones on my vette. Just saying they serve no purpose other than if you are entering a car show.

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I pulled the cover on thecopcar when I added a catch can, never reinstalled it. I haven’t pulled it off thethirdtwin yet though.

If the insert is spinning in the manifold, you could carefully try squeezing the plastic with vicegrips and then try turning the bolt. But at this point there is chance (albeit a small chance) that you could break the manifold plastic. Even could crack it down to a runner. Then you would have to replace the intake anyway. Your call.

I had one of these go missing once…. It bugged me every time I opened the hood until I replaced and I don’t know why lol