Greetings All,

Finally got a day off and decided to remove the valve cover to see what the situation was with the rocker arm / lifter noise I've been hearing. I wasn't a happy camper when I removed the cover. The rear rocker arm assembly wasn't even tightened down, all four bolts were finger tight and I could raise the assembly about a quarter of an inch off the head. Pulling the bolts it seemed that there was just aluminum embeded in the threaded area. I don't think it had been helicoiled before as it was all raw aluminum. I decided to check the torque on the remaining bolts and there were probably about another three or four that were near torque spec but could tell that they were wasted as well. Now what do I do? Can I helicoil these hole myself or is it a job left to a professional? I also noticed what looked like aluminum tube inserts where the rocker assembly bolt holes meet the block. Are there tube inserts that go between the rocker assembly and the head? If anyone has done this please chime in on the procedure and tools required and well as the success rate and any other pertinant info that can get this ride back up and running.

Thanks,

Charles

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"Tell me and I will listen, Teach me and I will learn, Show me and I will accomplish, Involve me and I will succeed."
'84 300SD 256,000 Gold on Brown (Mileage Award)
'86 300E 246,000 Blue on Tan