Rocker cover removal

[Frostie]

Hi all, i would like to remove my rocker covers to replace the bolts that hold them on, as a lot of them have gone quite rusty... can anyone tell me if this is an easy task to do, or am i going to need to remove anything complex... Also, thinking of renewing the coil packs and spark plugs whilst i do this.

Chris

[Rick_RS4]

i looked into this you could swap them one at a time to save removal

however i the bolts were stupid money like 2 quid each maybe more i seem to remember it was nearly £90 to do them

[Frostie]

There is a second part to the bolts that would drop into the engine if you just un-do them and pull them out...

[Ian_C]

Rocker cover. Not cylinder heads!

[Rick_RS4]

Nothing will drop in its a m6 bolt with a washer on it

[rocket1]

just pop a couple out measure the length then order a2 stainless of the net or local supplier and change one at a time. no need to remove covers!

[Frostie]

I can't work this out, as i have purchased a set of new rocker cover bolts from audi, and there is a capture washer that would go on the inside of the rocker cover... I tried removing the bolts one at a time previously, but they wont pull out due to being locked through on the opposite side

[jonson66]

They should just pull out

[Frostie]

i Must be doing something wrong then, as i can't seem to pull them out, and a well known specialist also confirmed to me that the rocker covers needed to come off to replace them, and one of the rocker cover gaskets is only available with the rocker cover at a cost of over £300... or am i just having my pants pulled down again...

[jonytek]

Did this get solved? Also what was the part number for the bolts? And torque specs - 10 Nm (7 ft lb)?

[Frostie]

They did just pull out, but were a pig to get out as the rubber seal on them holds tight to the rocker covers. After being told by a reputable specialist that the rocker covers needed removing as the screws to hold them on were secured on the other side of the rocker cover and i'd need new gaskets at the cost of over £300 was a complete lie. I cant remember the part number for the screws, but ordered them from TPS, and they come with the rubber seal attached.

[r8wut]

thread revival

ok, so whilst renewing spark plugs, broken coil pack connectors and rocker cover valve gasket .. I also have the envious task of changing some of the rusted rocker cover torx bolts.

You would think they should slip out 'fairly' easily.. but they're really stuck in there.

Knowing how old and likely brittle from years of engine heat the rocker covers are.. I'm little apprehensive of causing damage to the covers - as they're not cheap!

Anyone know of the procedure / trick of replacing some of the rusted rocker cover bolts.. ?

[r8wut]

ok. scratch that.

managed to get some out... applied some wd40.. and .. waited.

then very carefully pushed them through from underneath (using hands only, not easy)

Will update with pictures once all done and cleaned up.

fyi. Genuine Audi Hexagon collared bolt with guide sleeve
Part # 03G128773A

[r8wut]

cleaned up nicely.. with general 'elbow grease' spray..

would have been nice if Audi supplied the replacement rocker valve cover bolts in black to match with existing ...

anyway, just carefully painted bolt heads in Hammerite black.