Broken Valve Cover Bolt- Options?

[shawnmd]

Well, this sucks.  I was popping in the small grommet in the valve cover, and of course popped it right through.  So I took off the valve cover, removed the grommett and proceeded to tighten the valve cover bolts.  Before it started getting tight, the damn rear most drivers side bolt snapped flush with the head.  So tonight I tried the smallest drill bit and bolt extractor I could find and it broke in the hole....Dammit...all from a stupid grommet.  OK, without removing the head, what are my options?

[Skyview69]

No options.  Same thing happened to mine and in the same location  -even the machine shop could not repair.  I have no leaks - just use silicone gasket sealer and let it cure for a couple of days prior to running the engine and you should be good to go  Make sure you use cork gaskets!

good luck!

[BMOTOXSTAR]

Well, I 've done this. If you have access to a MIG welder, tack weld a long allen key (hex head) to the top of the broken bolt, then twist that turd outta' there. I had to do this once. 
Hill Billy style bro.

[Skyview69]

Well, I 've done this. If you have access to a MIG welder, tack weld a long allen key (hex head) to the top of the broken bolt, then twist that turd outta' there. I had to do this once. 
Hill Billy style bro.

That's a great idea but will it work since the bolt extractor is also snapped in the hole?

[Steve P.]

I would add one thing to the welding idea. Use a BRASS washer around the bolt. You cannot weld to brass. This will keep you from welding to the head along with the bolt...

[firefighter3931]

Another low buck option would be to weld a stud onto the head and use a nut to hold the valvecover down.....i've seen this done a few times. 


Ron

[my73charger]

If you decide to just try silicone they make this stuff called, "The Right Stuff", more expensive but very tough.  It bonds almost like JB Weld so use it sparingly or you will have to use a 3 foot pry bar to get the cover off next time.  I know cause I ruined some Edlebrock chrome valve covers trying to pry the dang stuff off.

[Charger1973]

I would add one thing to the welding idea. Use a BRASS washer around the bolt. You cannot weld to brass. This will keep you from welding to the head along with the bolt...

Thats a really good tip.   

[Charger1973]

If you decide to just try silicone they make this stuff called, "The Right Stuff", more expensive but very tough.  It bonds almost like JB Weld so use it sparingly or you will have to use a 3 foot pry bar to get the cover off next time.  I know cause I ruined some Edlebrock chrome valve covers trying to pry the dang stuff off.

I need to try this stuff, ive tried to seal my valve covers about 5 times in a row with no luck.  I have tried every gasket the parts store carries, silicone, and 2 different sets of covers.   

[Steve P.]

Thanks.    I try... 

[BMOTOXSTAR]

If you decide to just try silicone they make this stuff called, "The Right Stuff", more expensive but very tough.  It bonds almost like JB Weld so use it sparingly or you will have to use a 3 foot pry bar to get the cover off next time.  I know cause I ruined some Edlebrock chrome valve covers trying to pry the dang stuff off.

I need to try this stuff, ive tried to seal my valve covers about 5 times in a row with no luck.  I have tried every gasket the parts store carries, silicone, and 2 different sets of covers.   

The heads could be warped?

[Bob]

If you decide to just try silicone they make this stuff called, "The Right Stuff", more expensive but very tough.  It bonds almost like JB Weld so use it sparingly or you will have to use a 3 foot pry bar to get the cover off next time.  I know cause I ruined some Edlebrock chrome valve covers trying to pry the dang stuff off.

I need to try this stuff, ive tried to seal my valve covers about 5 times in a row with no luck.  I have tried every gasket the parts store carries, silicone, and 2 different sets of covers.   

Charger73, did you remember to put the bolts back in?

[supserdave]

If you don't think you got it to tight, a metal tipped engraver can be used to try and turn it out. If that doesn't work I'd try the welding technique.

[Charger1973]

My heads arent warped and the bolts are in I think I just suck at this     They were sealed fine when I got the car (stock valve covers) and those are the ones im trying to use now.  I'm going to try again in a day or so, so we'll see...

[squeakfinder]

I dint think all if any automotive machine shops have welders.

You'll need a wire feed welder for this.

Take a nut, probably a 5/16 thread (half inch wrench required) set this on top of the broken bolt and over the broken screw extractor.

Weld the nut on, threw its hole, this will give you something get a hold of. The heat from welding should also help break it loose.

Good Luck Larry.

[six-tee-nine]

The heat from welding should also help break it loose.

That's so true i always use the welding trick to remove old bearing rings and when you weld onto the nut or bolt it will definitly help to get it loose....