Timing belt cover bolt size?

[dwagner0074]

Hi guys. I apologize for a basic question but I searched The forms and couldn't find what I was asking. Does anyone know the size of the bolts that hold the upper timing cover on. Not sure if that is a specialty bold or if I can find one anywhere. I snapped two of them off trying to remove them to change the water pump. Thanks for any help and all the advice that is already here.

[FestYboy]

They are 10mm bolts, they shouldn't be snapping off... They're only in with in/lbs unless they were forced in previously.

[Eaglefreek]

10mm is the head size, but they are probably M6x1.0 bolts. I have some I just took off an engine I can get you the exact length and size tomorrow if you tell me which ones, since there are different lengths, if I recall. They probably got seized in the aluminum do to dissimilar metals.

[FestYboy]

^ correct, and there is one on the upper cover that is slightly longer, and it sits at the dipstick tube bracket location. As for the dissimilar metal theory, every stock bolt I've ever pulled from the upper cover has been coated/anodized so that they don't seize to the head.

[WmWatt]

I see that a lot on steel frame bicycles with aluminum seat post and stem (steering post) where the steel rusts and digs into the soft aluminum locking it in place. It also happens generally to aluminum with dirt and beach sand locking adjustable tubing. On bicycles the solution is to grease the steel tube every few years to prevent rust.

[Eaglefreek]

Sorry, I left my thread gauge at home, but if I was a betting man, I say they are M6x1.0. There are 7 bolts total. The upper cover has 4 bolts. 3 are 45mm long and the one for the dipstick tube is 50mm long. The bottom cover has 3 bolts and they are 30mm long.

[dwagner0074]

You guys are really the best. It is so great to have a place like this to learn and enjoy working on my festy. Thanks so much. Hopefully as I learn I can contribute more.

[Eaglefreek]

I checked this morning and they are M6x1.0. Getting the broken bolts out is going to be fun. Good luck.