I noticed one of my valve cover screws is broken. The seal is pretty tight with the other screws.
How important is the valve cover to the operation of the engine? Is it a vital component where not replacing the screw is detrimental to the engine?
Or can it hang tight, and only is there to protect stuff from getting in?
Btw, it seems the last person that put the valve cover on, over tightened the screw where it snapped. Half of it is stuck, in the whole, and I can’t get it out.
If it's not leaking it should be ok, just check for leaks every month. If you are handy you can drill and tap it. But it's not easy job and could make it worse
@jackofall
Awesome. Thanks for the explanation.
Valve covers keep oil in and dirt/water out. If you don't have a external oil leak, don't worry until you have a chance to replace bolt.
Easiest way to get broken bolt off is to mig weld a nut onto it. The heat from the quick weld make it easy to get out. It won't damage the engine head.
More than likely will damage the aluminum head by trying to drill out the broken bolt.
@heyinway
Thank you for the details in how it works. And the advice too!
Depending on how deep in it broke off, you may be able to remove it by removing the valve cover and grabbing the exposed shaft of the screw with a pair of vise grips. Of course, if it broke off close to, or below the surface of the head, the only options are drill and extractor, drill and tap, or weld a nut on. I vote for the last, if you have access to a wire welder.
@clovishound
Thanks. It is below the surface. I may attempt to try the drill thing. They I am not completely confident in my skills.
try to get it out
