mcfarmall

If they used stainless steel bolts on just the valve covers alone, it would cost the company millions of dollars.

ithor79

I have the same issue, and I'm not sure I want to wait/trust the dealer to replace these. Anyone know the OEM part #? Or what to search for? I've tried "valve cover bolt" "coil cover bolt" "head cover bolt".... Can't find online

Syclone Rob

This is the exact same issue I have with my truck and as a matter of fact, my manifolds are way more rusty then this. There is actually rust chips falling off the manifolds on both sides. The bolts on my engine are just like this. I rust proof my truck but they don't spray that stuff on the engine so I have a clean truck but with a nasty crusty looking engine. This is on a 2012 with 34000kms. My warranty is up in 2 months so I will take it in and see what they say. Truthfully, I find this unacceptable on a fairly new truck.

ARKSoft84

I purchased a new to me 2011 F150 with only 51k on it just a couple of months ago. I was looking under the hood and much to my surprise I found this very same issue. Corroded valve cover bolts.

I took it in and the dealership I bought it from (after having to file a claim with the BBB and Attorney General) decided they would fix the issue under the warranty that they gave me as part of the sale of the truck.

Took it in yesterday and after working on it all day yesterday and half of today they told me it was ready. Went to pick it up, they have put new valve covers, new bolts, 1 new coil, and new coil bolts on it.

Looks much better. - They redesigned the valve covers, they now have plastic over a couple of the bolt holes.

I'll snap a pic of it, if anyone thinks that this shouldn't be correct.

cmbezln

2012 w/ 40k here, similar issue....but mine arent totally corroded yet, just getting a lot of road salt on them, probably need to invest in a wheel apron, passenger side.

cmbezln

Brian O'Cain

Hi, new here. Came up on this thread looking into the corrosion bolt issues. I just bought a truck that has the rusted valve cover bolts. I plan on replacing them soon. Any tips on replacing the bolts? I can't find the bolts at any of the parts stores. I do plan on attempting to add on the dyi apron to prevent water entering the engine compartment. Any info on the apron would be appreciated as well.

ARKSoft84

They've redesigned the valve covers to try and minimize this from happening. If your bolt heads are almost completely rusted off its going to be very difficult. If you can get one out then you can match up the bolts with some Stainless Steel ones at places like ace hardware, etc.

What I do now is keep everything blown out from the bolt heads, spray some spray lube on them from time to time.

Red89gt

Wonder if the valve covers got destroyed due to rusty bolts breaking when they tried replacing them? Broken rusty bolts can be a ***** to get out.

Jgshooter

I don't know about your area, but there is a nuts and bolts supply store in my town that has every bolt imaginable, head type, thread pitch and length in stainless steel. I have a Harley that I used to have to keep outside and have replaced many stock bolts. I just bring in the stock one and they match it up. and it costs a fraction of the cost that Harley charges..