I’ve been doing some DIY on my 1.8 2014 Sonic:
Replaced the purge valve solinoid (solved over a year, and list of 6 problems) I didn’t break either clip.
Replaced the downstream O2 sensor. Turned out I probably didn’t need to (cause it was the purge valve) but I’m over 200k and it was dirty and burnt a little. (That was a pain in the a$$, on my back with with that wrench and special tool and loosing spray)
Changed the oil. I even put in a new drain plug and filter holder.
Then I changed the Ignition coil and spark plugs….
I put in AC Delco iridium cuz they have lasted. I did a very through cleaning and vacuuming. I even set the plugs to factory tork….
I’ve never tork wrenched anything, always by hand. So I bought a manual one to do this.
Then I put a new Duralast ignition coil on. Seems to be a good design. Electric grease already on the boots. Easy.
Then I put the two bolts back in AND SET THEM TO TORK WHICH IS 73!!! (According to the service manual. The service manual has factory tork settings for everything but this was 73??)
At first I thought damn that’s not right for bolts going into a plastic valve cover. But I do it anyway and POP, the head of the bolt breaks off (see picture).
That is way too much tork GM!! No one seems to be doing this in any videos. Perhaps my bolts are heated and old.
I have an extractor drill set coming tomorrow. I have two new bolts from a GM dealer coming soon (used points and got em free).
I have never attempted extraction before, but I’m good with a drill. If this doesn’t work, I will have to buy another ignition coil and VALVE cover. I THINK I can handle doing that. This really stings because I just had the valve cover replaced by a dealer last year because I had the big hole making a whistling noise because of the failed PCV.
THEY CHARGED ME $200 for the cover, $400 for labor, and $22 for the sealant (yes the 2 small amounts you need).
so I’m not doing that again. But it really sucks I’m buying all these part again for a broken bolt.
But on the bright side, my car runs well right now, so I got the job done. But until I deal with this bolt, I’ll never be able to do today’s job again. SMH.
Replaced the purge valve solinoid (solved over a year, and list of 6 problems) I didn’t break either clip.
Replaced the downstream O2 sensor. Turned out I probably didn’t need to (cause it was the purge valve) but I’m over 200k and it was dirty and burnt a little. (That was a pain in the a$$, on my back with with that wrench and special tool and loosing spray)
Changed the oil. I even put in a new drain plug and filter holder.
Then I changed the Ignition coil and spark plugs….
I put in AC Delco iridium cuz they have lasted. I did a very through cleaning and vacuuming. I even set the plugs to factory tork….
I’ve never tork wrenched anything, always by hand. So I bought a manual one to do this.
Then I put a new Duralast ignition coil on. Seems to be a good design. Electric grease already on the boots. Easy.
Then I put the two bolts back in AND SET THEM TO TORK WHICH IS 73!!! (According to the service manual. The service manual has factory tork settings for everything but this was 73??)
At first I thought damn that’s not right for bolts going into a plastic valve cover. But I do it anyway and POP, the head of the bolt breaks off (see picture).
That is way too much tork GM!! No one seems to be doing this in any videos. Perhaps my bolts are heated and old.
I have an extractor drill set coming tomorrow. I have two new bolts from a GM dealer coming soon (used points and got em free).
I have never attempted extraction before, but I’m good with a drill. If this doesn’t work, I will have to buy another ignition coil and VALVE cover. I THINK I can handle doing that. This really stings because I just had the valve cover replaced by a dealer last year because I had the big hole making a whistling noise because of the failed PCV.
THEY CHARGED ME $200 for the cover, $400 for labor, and $22 for the sealant (yes the 2 small amounts you need).
so I’m not doing that again. But it really sucks I’m buying all these part again for a broken bolt.
But on the bright side, my car runs well right now, so I got the job done. But until I deal with this bolt, I’ll never be able to do today’s job again. SMH.
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