Removing Cam Covers - which way - ZR-1 Net Registry Forums

Corvette95 · 02-24-2020

I have read both ways to remove cam covers with motor in car. I don't have a lift right now but going to put it on 30 inch jack stands. I have the entire dash out now for cosmetic restoration and a couple of other things. I was going to remove the brake booster. Which way would be best since I have access to booster now (seats and carpet are out) OR loosen engine mount ( when is replacement normally due on mounts? This latest 90 has 33 k miles on it)

Jagdpanzer · 02-24-2020

Since you have the access go with the booster.

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Corvette95 · 02-24-2020

Thanks!

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Ccmano · 02-25-2020

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jagdpanzer

Since you have the access go with the booster.

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Agreed...
H

Pete · 02-25-2020

An easier way is take motor mount nut (18mm) off the driver side use a jack with piece of wood under oil pan raise engine and you will have access to all the cam cove screws.

Pete

Ccmano · 02-26-2020

A word of caution no matter how you do it. The cam cover bolts, like most of the top end bolts, are on the soft side. They easily strip. Make sure that you clean any dirt out of the inside of the bolt top. You want your torx bit to have maximum purchase. Then when your ready to remove the bolts make sure your wrench and bit are square to the top of the bolt. It’s easy to go at it at an angle and strip the top of the bolt out. Apply downward pressure to the wrench then slowly evenly break it loose.

That said I have frankly had the best luck removing the bolts with a small 1/4” battery powered impact wrench that tends not over power the bolts. I push down firmly and squarely and pull the trigger. Don’t be surprised if one or several don’t come out or strip. If that happens use a standard ratchet and torx. Worst case, the bolt tops can be drilled out and the cam cover lifted off. Usually the bolt shafts will then simply turn out with vicegrips. I’ve only had one that required a bolt extractor tool.

I do not like to reuse the original bolts for the reasons noted above. JerrysGaskets sells nice stainless allen head bolts that are much more robust. Ultimately your car, your choice.
Enjoy,
H

Dynomite · 02-26-2020

If nothing works to remove Torx Cam Cover Bolts........
Removing Cam Covers (Engine In Car) for Inspections of Camshafts

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ccmano

......I do not like to reuse the original bolts for the reasons noted above. JerrysGaskets sells nice stainless allen head bolts that are much more robust. Ultimately your car, your choice.
Enjoy,
H

Concur

Cam Cover Bolts

Pete · 02-26-2020

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ccmano

A word of caution no matter how you do it. The cam cover bolts, like most of the top end bolts, are on the soft side. They easily strip. Make sure that you clean any dirt out of the inside of the bolt top. You want your torx bit to have maximum purchase. Then when your ready to remove the bolts make sure your wrench and bit are square to the top of the bolt. It’s easy to go at it at an angle and strip the top of the bolt out. Apply downward pressure to the wrench then slowly evenly break it loose.

Enjoy,
H

Bingo

Pete

32valvZ · 02-26-2020

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pete

Bingo

Pete

I think also a good quality tool (Torx Socket) is helpful as well. Junky ones are soft and just add to the frustration.

Corvette95 · 03-01-2020

Had to pull the steering column so I pulled the booster and master cylinder. Had a delay with column issue but getting ready to pull the top end to send to Pete .

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02-24-2020	#1
Corvette95 Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Decatur, AL Posts: 1,107	Removing Cam Covers - which way I have read both ways to remove cam covers with motor in car. I don't have a lift right now but going to put it on 30 inch jack stands. I have the entire dash out now for cosmetic restoration and a couple of other things. I was going to remove the brake booster. Which way would be best since I have access to booster now (seats and carpet are out) OR loosen engine mount ( when is replacement normally due on mounts? This latest 90 has 33 k miles on it) __________________ Corvette95 Registry and Forum (*************) 1989 C4 Conv Wht/Gry Auto Hardtop Top Flight SOLD 1995 C4 Coupe Purple/Blk 6 Speed 1989 C4 Conv Wht/Red Auto SOLD 1996 C4 Conv Black/Tan Auto SOLD 1994 C4 Coupe Wht/Blk SOLD 1995 C4 ZR-1 White/Gry #278 Dual Dunn Head SOLD 1986 C4 Coupe Black/Red 4+3 SOLD 1990 C4 ZR-1 Red/Red #0454

02-24-2020	#2
Jagdpanzer Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Northern VA Posts: 2,650	Re: Removing Cam Covers - which way Since you have the access go with the booster. Sent from my iPhone using ZR-1 Net Registry __________________ Phil Wasinger 1994 Torch Red ZR-1 WAZOO Member George Braml Intake

02-24-2020	#3
Corvette95 Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Decatur, AL Posts: 1,107	Re: Removing Cam Covers - which way Thanks! Sent from my iPhone using ZR-1 Net Registry __________________ Corvette95 Registry and Forum (*************) 1989 C4 Conv Wht/Gry Auto Hardtop Top Flight SOLD 1995 C4 Coupe Purple/Blk 6 Speed 1989 C4 Conv Wht/Red Auto SOLD 1996 C4 Conv Black/Tan Auto SOLD 1994 C4 Coupe Wht/Blk SOLD 1995 C4 ZR-1 White/Gry #278 Dual Dunn Head SOLD 1986 C4 Coupe Black/Red 4+3 SOLD 1990 C4 ZR-1 Red/Red #0454

02-25-2020	#5
Pete Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Chicagoland,IL Posts: 2,680	Re: Removing Cam Covers - which way An easier way is take motor mount nut (18mm) off the driver side use a jack with piece of wood under oil pan raise engine and you will have access to all the cam cove screws. Pete __________________ '91 #1635 PoloGreen 350 LT5 11.09 @ 129.27 11.04 @ 128.86 474RWHP 400RWTQ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SFNFOhGGlR4 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZlRIOMwaDYY https://sites.google.com/site/peteszr1garage

02-26-2020	#6
Ccmano Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Sparks, NV Posts: 2,852	Re: Removing Cam Covers - which way A word of caution no matter how you do it. The cam cover bolts, like most of the top end bolts, are on the soft side. They easily strip. Make sure that you clean any dirt out of the inside of the bolt top. You want your torx bit to have maximum purchase. Then when your ready to remove the bolts make sure your wrench and bit are square to the top of the bolt. It’s easy to go at it at an angle and strip the top of the bolt out. Apply downward pressure to the wrench then slowly evenly break it loose. That said I have frankly had the best luck removing the bolts with a small 1/4” battery powered impact wrench that tends not over power the bolts. I push down firmly and squarely and pull the trigger. Don’t be surprised if one or several don’t come out or strip. If that happens use a standard ratchet and torx. Worst case, the bolt tops can be drilled out and the cam cover lifted off. Usually the bolt shafts will then simply turn out with vicegrips. I’ve only had one that required a bolt extractor tool. I do not like to reuse the original bolts for the reasons noted above. JerrysGaskets sells nice stainless allen head bolts that are much more robust. Ultimately your car, your choice. Enjoy, H __________________ 90'ZR-1 #1461 Red/Black Ported Intake, Degreed Cams, OBX Headers & Exhaust, Fidanza FW, Secondary Delete, Custom tune, C6 GS Wheels. Sold 08 C6 Z51 Crystal Red Metallic Sold Vararam Intake, Tune, Sold 05 C6 Z51 Red/Black Sold 90'ZR-1 #1723 Black/Gray Sold but not forgotten 91' Z51 L98 White Vert. My First, you always remember your first. Sold.

03-01-2020	#10
Corvette95 Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Decatur, AL Posts: 1,107	Re: Removing Cam Covers - which way Had to pull the steering column so I pulled the booster and master cylinder. Had a delay with column issue but getting ready to pull the top end to send to Pete . Sent from my iPhone using ZR-1 Net Registry __________________ Corvette95 Registry and Forum (*************) 1989 C4 Conv Wht/Gry Auto Hardtop Top Flight SOLD 1995 C4 Coupe Purple/Blk 6 Speed 1989 C4 Conv Wht/Red Auto SOLD 1996 C4 Conv Black/Tan Auto SOLD 1994 C4 Coupe Wht/Blk SOLD 1995 C4 ZR-1 White/Gry #278 Dual Dunn Head SOLD 1986 C4 Coupe Black/Red 4+3 SOLD 1990 C4 ZR-1 Red/Red #0454