Thread: 300TDi Camshaft bolts

Originally Posted by seano87

Hi all,

I'm currently adjusting valve clearances on my 300tdi and noticed that the nuts on the base of 3 bolts that protrude upwards (that the valve cover then screws down onto are all loose (I hope that makes sense to someone!)... the question is, I'm assuming they aren't meant to be? Is there a specific tightness they should be?

Seano

No they shouldn't be loose at all!!!! make sure the threads aren't pulled out of the head!!

JC

Thanks Justin,

Next seemingly dumb question, how would I tell if they are pulled out of the head or not? The bolt itself had no movement - it seemed to be in there very solidly with just the nuts loose, so I assume no problem, I'll take another look tomorrow.

I must admit I am quite enjoying the learning curve Land Rover ownership brings

Seano

If youre tightening them and they aren't tightening, then the threads are pulling out of the head and you will need helicoils inserted. There are mobile thread repair specialists who will come to you to repair this kind of problem, so don't panic too much!

JC

Hey seano87,

Like JC says, the nuts that hold the rocker shaft down should be tight (these need 5Nm + 50deg). If these were loose, then the whole rocker asemble would be ratting about and valve clearence will be all over the place! Don't be over-zealous tightening these though - or you could strip the threads.

If its the three nuts that just hold the rocker cover on (on top of the stems) - yeah, they do loosen. No big deal - tighten them up - but not too tight. There is a big fat rubber gasket under the cover that doesn't like to be too compressed.

Also, when turning the crank over when doing the clearances - make sure you don't loosen the balancer/crank pulley bolt. Go clockwise. This nut should always be dead tight.

Cheers

Well, as it turns out today, 2 of the 3 will tighten happily, the other one the bolt just pulled straight out and the remnants of the thread all over the bolt. Agh!

As it also happens the nearest mobile thread repairer is 100km away but my local mechanic has just agreed to come round to take a look and has all the tools to fix her up. (Cross fingers!)

Seano

https://www.machineryhouse.com.au/Pr...stockCode=T100

A handy thread repair kit to have when you need it.