Civic EG

Need to replace cam seal and plan to do timing job, how ever I have a stripped out bolt that holds the valve cover on. Would it be best to replace the head or retap hole?

Here are some options for fixing it:

Heli-coils
For holding down a valve cover I would recommend this. You should be able to pick up a kit from your local auto parts store for around $30.
http://www.stanleyengineeredfastening.com/brands/heli-coil

Time-Sert
A lot of people don't know these exist but on anything where there will be real stress on the part being attached these are the only way to go. We use these on head jobs when a previous mechanic has stripped the head bolt holes in the block. Not too many shops stock these but they only take a couple days to show up when ordered online. You just need to know which size and thread pitch you need before ordering. A metric set runs around $75.
https://www.belmetric.com/time-sert-thread-repair-timesert-metric-kits-inserts-c-217_218.html

Machine Shop
This is the most expensive option on the list but if you aren't comfortable doing either of the above options yourself this is the best option, depending on the machine shop they will use one of the above options to fix it for you.


Good luck.

Thanks for the help!

Valve cover bolts should be M8x1.25 on a d series. If you have enough metal around the hole I would recommend those timeserts. They are far superior to a helicoil.

I have used a reverse drill bit and extractor when mine broke. Those valve cover bolts are only supposed to be lightly hand tightened, so the broken bolt shouldn't be too difficult to get out.