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[kluku5]

Hey there!

I'm the guy who asked about 3.0 cyl heads on 3.2 block some time ago if some of you remember. It runs quite well but.

The part that holds the camshaft on the cyl head (what is it called?). It has a screw hole on top, which holds the cam cover. The thread in one of them is knackered, and there is oil in the plug well next to it. I haven't yet looked if there is oil in the other plug wells too. Ofcourse the plug doesen't look good anymore.

I only have lumpy idle when the engine gets warm. I imagine that's because then the oil in the well gets more liquid and starts causing problems with firing. It has gotten a bit worse recently when doing a "kickdown" from stand still. You can hear it's misfiring and is a bit hesitant.

My question is, is it probably just because the plug has been in oil and therefore become bad, or should I prepare myself for another new DIS pack? Ofcourse I also need new plugs and cam cover seals.

Another question too. Can I change the part with knackered thread, while keeping the original vital part with the oil groove, because I think you shouldn't change that?

Anyway I think that oil has gone in the plug well because the cam cover isn't as tight as it should be on that one spot with bad thread (Yes I know 8 Nm).

Haven't yet checked for codes.

Many thank yous for answers or guesses!

[BazaJT]

Would it be possible to helicoil the stripped thread? Then you could go for changing cam cover gaskets[cleaning breathers at same time]and a plug change,checking state of and possibly replacing leads also.Or am I talking a load of dangleberries here?

[05omegav6]

Was thinking along the lines of tapping the hole to a slightly larger diameter (but no deeper)and using a suitably sized bolt/screw

If the rubber boot on the coilpack is still ok, you might get away with only changing the plugs, but that depends on how much the car is driven and a bit of luck tbh

Pedal trick should give you an idea as to what's what... expect 0300, 030X...

[kluku5]

Would it be possible to helicoil the stripped thread? Then you could go for changing cam cover gaskets[cleaning breathers at same time]and a plug change,checking state of and possibly replacing leads also.Or am I talking a load of dangleberries here?

I dont think that would last..

I've thought about tapping it. The car got a new DIS pack autumn 2012, I hope it's ok. I'm going to find out about that after I've replaced plugs, seals and cleaned wells and breather.

[Andy H]

An insert (Helicoil/Recoil) in aluminium will be stronger than a plain thread if it is installed correctly.

[kluku5]

I looked into it a bit more. So, you have to drill the hole, then tap  it and then insert the helicoil. Why not put in a larger bolt if you've already tapped the hole? I mean, there shouldn't be so much force in there that you'd need a stronger thread?

Anyway, if you still suggest helicoil, can you tell me what size drill, tap and helicoil would I need for the original bolt? Metric system if possible.
Thanks

[Andy H]

If you put a larger bolt in it will not go through the hole in the cam cover.

Use the correct size Helicoil and you re-use your original bolt. Cam cover bolts are M6.

The tap size is dictated by the dimensions of the insert - Check what make of insert is available near you and then use the drill & tap that the manufacturer recommends.

I bought one of these Recoil kits years ago http://euro.recoilshop.net/metric-m6-1-kit-p-663.html. The tap, drill and insertion tool are included in the kit.

[kluku5]

Sounds good. Will try after I fix my headlight. Discovered today the light assembly inside is loose like a b****, apparently need new adjusters

[Marks DTM Calib]

You can replace a single cam cap per cam according to the Vx refurb instructions (they are machined to a very tight tolerance)

[symes]

An insert (Helicoil/Recoil) in aluminium will be stronger than a plain thread if it is installed correctly.

+1    did one on mine 5000miles ago still holding 

[TheBoy]

A helicoil would be stronger than a larger bolt.

[kluku5]

Just to update.

I helicoiled the thread and it's fine now, although a little uneven idle still. It's much better, but not perfect. Needless to say this worries me...
I haven't yet checked for codes, maybe I can find something there.

Also some oil spilled on exhausts, so I need to cruise around a bit to burn it off, bad smell though

[kluku5]

I discovered an air leak on top of the plenum, under the plastic ecotec cover, while checking if multiram is operative. Now I remember that the breather bridge to plenum gasket was broken on one side, and one o-ring was missing too. I don't even know why I've put it together like that. Hopefully changing these will cure the idle..

On a side note, I think front shocks are quite tired too

No point in selling the car, I would never get back the money for new parts I've put on and in it
Plus, if you don't mind the moody engine, it's a great car with plenty power lol