99 f250, v10, 185k miles, stock

Removed passenger side valve cover and had three rocker arms laying in the bottom that had fallen off. Looked closer and the bolts holding the cam down were very loose, so there was no tension to hold the rocker arms on. What would cause this?? Also, when reapplying the bolts, they seemed to never get any tighter. (did not strip them, was careful) Any ideas? why would these bolts come loose? thanks...

 

In my world,this indicates stripped threads. I've never seen this,but it's not impossible. What happened right before the failure?
JL

 

yea gotta think it had been worked on previously..

if the threads wont tighten up then they are pooched..simple as that.

 

Back in the late 90's I heard of a similar problem with the 4V Cobra engines. I think it was Muscle Mustangs and Fast Fords that I saw that.

 

Sure sounds like a clueless gorilla got in there before you...

I can't see any reason why you couldn't attempt to heli-coil these... Could be a problem if the hole does not go deep enough, but it is sure worth a try.