I have the engine bay in my 04 KXR detailed to factory new condition with one exception. The upper side fasteners on the Valve Covers are degraded ( finish wise) and I would like to replace them.

The upper side uses long treaded studs of some type that have nuts with captive integral washers. The lower side fasteners are traditional bolts. I’m not sure why they used the excessively long threaded studs on the top side.

My question is. Are the upper side threaded removable from the heads? How can they be removed? The tips that extend past the threads do not have much of surface are to grip. If so are they replaceable with traditional bolts?

Are plastic covers for these possibly available?

Thanks for your time … Jim

 

Mine are the same way and look dreadful next to the rest of the engine bay.

I think the long studs are used for mounting the XK8 engine cover, and Jaguar has simply used the same parts as a matter of convenience.

You question got me thinking, as for a cover, how about something like this:
McMaster-Carr

 

Hi Charlie ... The covers yu pointed out look like and easy solution until you read the specs. They are rated at 140 Degrees F for 10 minutes Max. I think those would be a melted blob after the firt time out on the road.

Thanks, Jim

 

Not so! The XK8's (well mine anyway!) suffer the same disfigurement from those unused studs as you do. The mystery continues to run!