I painted my valve cover, and when i was putting it back on i over tightened a bolt and snap... got any ideas?

What it looks like:


What it should look like:





What it does look like:




The broken Part:



Im afraid to drive it cuz its not sealed and if that washer pops out it will have a small leak.

Thx..

 

take that vc back off...repaint that sumbitch....take that bolt out...replace it...move on.

 

With the valve cover off, you may be able to etch a groove at the top of the broken bolt with a Dremel tool and then use a flat head screw driver inserted in the groove to extract the bolt.

Alternatively, you can drill a hole down the middle of the bolt shaft and use a reverse thread bolt remover to take out the broken bolt.

 

I like your idea with the screw driver. im gonna go try that, got any ideas where i can finda new bolt?i may have one that fits here

 

That doesn't look that bad, I broke the very tip off one deep down and couldn't get it out, even at a shop.

If you can't get it out, they make this stuff called liquid gasket, just put that around the gasket befor you put the valve cover back on and your good to go. But looks like you could even get a pair of pliers on that and twist it out.

 

I think a local auto parts store would carry a compatible valve cover bolt. Otherwise, call the dreaded Honda dealership for a price.

 

Imgoing to try the dremel, but i have to wait for my friend to get off work, i dont have one here. And if that doesnt work, ill try to drill that beast out [:@]

 

As Live_4it mentions, you may find that the bolt can be unscrewed with pliers when the valve cover is off.

 

yeah ill probably try that frist... with some vice grips

 

The bolt has a hex part on it where it is bolted into the head. You can remove the bolt easily with a wrench. Just remove the valve cover and you'll be able to remove the bolt. Honda sells replacement valve cover bolts for a couple bucks. Go to hondaautomotiveparts.com.

That happened on my old civic. I drove around for a couple days on it fine. Just check it every once in a while, like when you stop the car at a gas station, or get home, or whatever. you could probably put a piece of duck tape over the hole and it should stop most of the leaking temporarily, until you get the replacement bolt.