4.8i valve cover thread stripped

[Boosted_s52]

Has anyone had a valve cover bolt strip out? Noticed a burning smell last night and saw a small amount of oil coming from the driver side valve cover. Went to check the bolts and one bolt was loose. I pulled the bolt out and it looks like the threads game way so the bolt came loose. It's the bolt right before the coil packs that is blocked by the coolant expansion tank. I replaced the valve cover and timing cover gaskets a little while back. No bolt tightening issues then. Any insight is appreciated. I've heard of helicoils but never used them. Thanks!

[Doug Huffman]

Helicoils are great. There is a variety of threaded/replacement inserts
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Threaded_insert

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[smassey321]

I fixed a few on my E90. Just tap out the next size up. If you have a M4 now go to M5. For the I6, some of the VC bolts have the room to get a nut on the back side. That maybe an easier option for you.