Removing broken valve cover bolt
#1
Removing broken valve cover bolt
Sooo... stupidly back in September I overtightened a valve cover bolt and it snapped clean off into the head. There is nowhere to grab onto it as the break is level with the head. It's quite a small M10 bolt, so what would be the best way to get this out? Silly me decided to leave it when I left for Europe and now I just realized I need to fix that before I can get my car back on the road when I get back in April.
#2
Cpt. Slow
iTrader: (25)
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Oregon City, OR
Posts: 14,175
Total Cats: 1,129
I just did this a while ago. Apparently those bolts are meant to last 4,999 tightenings and not 5,000.
I was pissed that I had to remove the valve cover and buy yet another $23 valve cover gasket, however if yours is flush with the head I might either consider running without it if its in the center or taking it to a machinist. Feel free to use an easy-out at your own risk.
I was pissed that I had to remove the valve cover and buy yet another $23 valve cover gasket, however if yours is flush with the head I might either consider running without it if its in the center or taking it to a machinist. Feel free to use an easy-out at your own risk.
#3
mkturbo.com
iTrader: (24)
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Charleston SC
Posts: 15,176
Total Cats: 1,680
How far in did it go? Any chance that there is some exposed below the lip on the head and you could unscrew it from below? If that is not a possibility I would probably just run without that one.
#11
Elite Member
iTrader: (21)
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Rochester, NY
Posts: 6,593
Total Cats: 1,259
Aren't all the head cover bolths through holes? Just get a drill smaller than the threads, and drill it out. Hopefully, the drill will catch, and drive the broken screw right out the bottom. If not, you can now drive a drywalll screw into the hole and thread it on through.
#13
Before doing that you might just try picking it backwards with a dental pick.
#14
This. If you get a fine cutoff wheel on a dremel, even if you cut into the flange a little bit on either side of the broken bolt you will be able to slot it enough to get a screwdriver in there. You will likely find that it isn't tight in there at all.
Before doing that you might just try picking it backwards with a dental pick.
Before doing that you might just try picking it backwards with a dental pick.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
bigmackloud
Miata parts for sale/trade
19
01-08-2021 11:24 AM
stoves
Suspension, Brakes, Drivetrain
5
04-21-2016 03:00 PM