G@#!$%&*@#$^ (Valve cover bolt)

[benharper]

My Valve cover bolt just snapped at the end of the threads. thats right, no more threads on one cover bolt . I don't know what to do, i torqued to 12.5 ft/lbs(figured it was safe), and SNAP! :cuss: , it just got real loose and lifted out. No other of the three i tightened snapped. It's a 90, mostly stock, 3.0. HELP. :banghd:

 

[Ishodu]

Only thing you can do is to take it apart again and see if you can get the broken piece out. If its loose in there you may get it out what something pointy. Or a left hand drill bit and maybe a easy out. If the threads are good get another bolt. If there not you will have to drill it out and put in a heicoil.

 

[luigisho]

I agree. Take off the cover and see if there is anything you can get some vice grips on. If not, you will have to get a punch, make sure you get a clean center indentation, then go at it with a hard drill bit and use either a hand held easy out or I used a Craftsman bolt extractor bit. Make sure to use the correct size to help prevent tearing into the threads of the head. As was stated if you mes these up you will have to helicoil it. Look for someone parting a car for an extra bolt. IIRC Ford sells these in sets of either 2 or 4 (i forget which) and they used to be $11-12 each I think.

 

[93_blk_blk_mtx]

No worries, get the smallest drill bit and drill 1/16th of inch, and with a left handed drill bit gently drill it out. I also have an extra valve bolt if you'd like, just pay for shipping.

Also in the future, I would not torque it to 12.5 lbs, give it a good tug. I've broken 2 bolts doing that "12.5 lbs"....

No worries.