1998 Sunfire IAC Valve Stripped Screws

ericv1984

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The other day I removed the IAC Valve to clean it, unfortunately I must have screwed the torx head screws in too tight and stripped them. I already tried the "Irwin - Bolt Extractor Set" (http://tinyurl.com/97fedvw). Looks like it would work but the 5/16" extractor it came with is a little too big and the next size down which is 1/4" is a little too small. What else could I try that doesn't cost to much? Preferably a method to remove the screws with my socket set or a screwdriver since I don't have a drill but I could always use my friends drill.
 
If they are stripped your only choice is a helicoil or going to a larger size screw. It sounds like you need a metric extractor set. So I guess first step is to find a metric set and if you cannt you will have to drill it out. From there you either have to insert a helicoil or tap it for a larger size screw.
 
If they are stripped your only choice is a helicoil or going to a larger size screw. It sounds like you need a metric extractor set. So I guess first step is to find a metric set and if you cannt you will have to drill it out. From there you either have to insert a helicoil or tap it for a larger size screw.

I just went to Lowes to look at what they had, and ended up buying a Grab It Pro set but I'll take your advice and go to Harbor Freight Tools and buy a Metric Extractor Set. If that works I can always return the Grab It Pro. Thanks.
 
If they are stripped your only choice is a helicoil or going to a larger size screw. It sounds like you need a metric extractor set. So I guess first step is to find a metric set and if you cannt you will have to drill it out. From there you either have to insert a helicoil or tap it for a larger size screw.

Do you happen to know what size the threads are on the IAC Valve Screws?
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Sorry, I dont know and so far havent found it.
 
Sorry, I dont know and so far havent found it.

I went to Harbor Freight Tools and got another extractor set, which was either too big or too small yet again. So just for the heck of it, I tried a torx bit that was one size to big for the screw, applied a lot of pressure and turned slowly and it worked. I went to Tacoma Screw, took the screws out and brought them inside and the guy replaced them with two phillips head screws which fit perfect. Now I gotta wait for the mail to get here with my new IAC Valve so I can do it all over again.
 
Excellant, glad you didnt have to go through the nightmare of drilling and tapping.
 
Excellant, glad you didnt have to go through the nightmare of drilling and tapping.

Yeah that would of been a pain. And time consuming since I would of had to drive out to a friends house to use their drill.
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Mail's here, YAY! Now I get to put on my new IAC Valve and see if that fixes the idle.
 
I hope that works out for you.

Didn't fix the idle. I have throttle body cleaner and planning on cleaning it once the engine cools off. If that doesn't work I'm going to be checking the MAP sensor hose and replacing the spark plugs this weekend.

We bought this car about 1 1/2 weeks ago and the guy we bought it from told us that he replaced the plugs and wires but this car doesn't use spark plug wires so I'm thinking he lied, at least about the wires. So I'm going to replace the plugs just in case.
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If you do replace the plugs, be sure to go with AC/Delco or NGK laser Iridium plugs. They are the only ones that really hold up well.
 
If you do replace the plugs, be sure to go with AC/Delco or NGK laser Iridium plugs. They are the only ones that really hold up well.

Already got some AC Delco ones, been sitting here since yesterday. Contemplating whether I should put them in or have my fiances moms bf do it since he knows more about cars then me and used to be a mechanic.
 
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