Snapped Valve Cover Bolt
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Joined: Mar 2008
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From: CT
Snapped Valve Cover Bolt
Well. Here’s the first issue that’s come about since I bought this car. Noticed the grommet on one of the valve cover bolts was seeping oil after driving an extended period of time, instead of just leaving it for now, my dumbass decided to take it out and see what the issue was, only problem with that is when I went to take the bolt out it snapped at the threads. For a quick fix I went and bought a universal rubber plug to seal the hole in the valve cover. It fits super tight and no oil gets out and no air gets in. My question is, how long can I drive it without a bolt holding down the valve cover? My mechanic can’t get my car in for a while so is it safe to drive for now?
There's really no major risk to the engine as long as it seals fairly well. The valve cover bolts don't connect any other component or secure any part of the head. They just hold the valve cover in place. Theoretically, some sort of debris could get in if the seal wasn't good but that rubber plug looks like it will do the job just fine. I'd suspect you'll have some very minor oil leaking from the seal but that's about it. Make sure your other bolts are tightened to spec and drive as normal. Keep an eye on it occasionally.
Last edited by losiglow; Apr 3, 2018 at 09:32 AM.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 189
Likes: 24
From: CT
There's really no major risk to the engine as long as it seals fairly well. The valve cover bolts don't connect any other component or secure any part of the head. They just hold the valve cover in place. Theoretically, some sort of debris could get in if the seal wasn't good but that rubber plug looks like it will do the job just fine. I'd suspect you'll have some very minor oil leaking from the seal but that's about it. Make sure your other bolts are tightened to spec and drive as normal. Keep an eye on it occasionally.
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2012
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From: SE WI
If you did n't break the VC gasket seal, you might be OK--just check it every day until you get it fixed.
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Instructor
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 189
Likes: 24
From: CT
just the long valve cover bolt broke off at the threads in the motor. I just need to wait until my mechanic has time to drill the rest of the threads out and fix my mess.
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