Timing belt cover bolts spinning free

[Ipassgas]

I have my engine on a pallet and wanted to do the timing belt and (bad) water pump while it was easily accessible.

Unfortunately, the car had other ideas. I managed to remove 1 bolt holding the right and left plastic covers on. 1 was missing. That leaves 5 free spinning.

I managed to separate the covers with a judicious application of force. Unfortunately, the nuts WERE impregnated into the plastic. Now, the holes are rounded out.

As I see it, I have 4 options.

1. Replace the covers. This isn't preferred because it's a substantial job.
2. Use zip ties. For a dedicated race car, I'd probably go this route.
3. Epoxy the nuts back in place and see what happens.
4. Get longer bolts and run them all the way through.

Right now, I'm thinking epoxy. If that fails, then go with longer bolts.

Anyone have a better idea, or run into this problem and solved It?

Thank you.

I didn't take pics. Hopefully I can update with them tomorrow.

[DMC7492]

JB Weld to the rescue! I have used many times for similar issues!
https://www.jbweld.com/collections/epoxy-adhesives

[redbudrr]

I had the same issue. I cut the bolts off with die grinder which damaged the covers, so I bit the bullet and bought new covers and bolts.

[Ipassgas]

Ok. I'm lazy with the pics.

So I tried to reinsert the nuts as they came out. They have flanges that faced away from the bolt, so they'd stay in the plastic. I was unable to reorient them correctly. I slathered them with some JBweld, put a bolt on them and let them cure for a minute or 2. I jammed them in their holes backward and installed the timing covers.

I did not fully seat the bolts. I used clamps to hold the covers on appropriately, and other clamps to force the bolt, and thus the nut as deep into their holes as I could. I put the covers on to make sure the thread alignment was good. 24 hours later, I removed the clamps, removed the covers and inspected. Everything looked Ok, but not factory fresh. I reinstalled the covers put the bolts on "snug" and gave it a rattle.

It seems to have worked so far.

[turbomacncheese]

Sweet. I got a front-end wreck and had to replace the covers. Of course, I was rebuilding anyway, so not a huge extra job for me, but more costly than I'd have liked.

[Ipassgas]

Sweet. I got a front-end wreck and had to replace the covers. Of course, I was rebuilding anyway, so not a huge extra job for me, but more costly than I'd have liked.

And to think, at one time I was insanely jealous of your sub $1k donor. You have gone way past me, just getting the engine running. It is pretty though.

[turbomacncheese]

Technically, it isn't running yet....but I have high hopes!