World of Hurt

[MOSHO92]

In the process of my upper 60K (valves) i have managed to do major damage to my heads. The valve job went fine but when re-installing the cam covers i sheared off one of the small 5mm bolts on the outer edge (not in the valve area). now through drilling and cursing and 3 broken "easy" out's im lost. I managed to cut up the threads really bad and even dig into the aluminum head with the drill bit.
I need some help here. What are my options? how much money am i looking at here. I still have yet to get the rest of teh bolt out....HELP!

 

[jasonty]

Have your car towed down to a machine shop and see if they can get it out. If they won't do it while the head is on the car, you may have to take the head off and give it to them. Bad luck, sorry man...

 

[OSHSHO]

If it's the rear bank, the angle will be a problem to get a straight shot at the hole. Rather than risk further permanent, and possible irreversible damage, I would remove the head.

Just my 2 cents!

 

[Off Road SHO]

How did it happen? Was the broken off bolt broken at an angle and hard to drill in the center?

Tom

 

[Yamaha V6]

This is on the OUTSIDE of the cam area? The 2 small 5mm allen cap head bolts on the driver's side?

IF you used new cover gaskets AND there's no interference, you should have no leaks having one of those bolts missing or broken off. I have had customers' cars come in with those broken, and I had one missing on my old 91 prior to dropping the s/c'd engine into it, without leaks. IF that's what it is, AND it doesn't leak, don't lose sleep about it.

 

[SHOpar]

Yamaha V6:
This is on the OUTSIDE of the cam area? The 2 small 5mm allen cap head bolts on the driver's side?

IF you used new cover gaskets AND there's no interference, you should have no leaks having one of those bolts missing or broken off. I have had customers' cars come in with those broken, and I had one missing on my old 91 prior to dropping the s/c'd engine into it, without leaks. IF that's what it is, AND it doesn't leak, don't lose sleep about it.

My valve cover is actually cracked right near one of these little bolts. It doesn't seem to affect anything though, and hasn't leaked a drop.

 

[MOSHO92]

Well, i fixed it. Actually i had someone help ... We just drilled it out, tapped it, and put in a helicoil. Fits now fine, and was able to hold the 10lb-ft setting. Thanks for the help. Luckily i was able to do it without removing the head. ADVICE---slow it down and watch what your doing so you dont mess anything up. Once again i learned this the hard way.

 

[BenSwanson]

can someone tell me what a helicoil is and how it works? Thanks

 

[MOSHO92]

Hi, I started this topic a long time ago!
Well a helicoil is a way to re-tap a hole that doesnt want to be tapped. You basically drill out the hole to a slightly larger size and then, using a tool supplied with the helicoil kit, you thread in a spring looking thing that acts as new threads for your bolt. Its pretty easy, and is a savior if you have overdrilled the hole. Just make sure you buy the right helicoil for your size and thread application.