I often check the valve cover bolt and tighten them regularly. Today when I tighten it one of the bolt broke. Suck and those bolts are cheap! Anyone broke the valve cover bolt yet and is the only replacement the cheap stock one?

It doesn't look like it'll be hard to replace it so taking it out tomorrow.

Thks.

 

How tight are you attempting to tighten these? How are you snapping bolts?

 

Are you crazy? You're going to strip the aluminum threads in the heads using that much torque. The torque spec for those little tiny valve cover bolts are 31 +/- 4 inch-lbs! 31 in-lbs = 2.58 ft-lbs.

 

I didn't use a torch wrench. These bolts does get loose often so I recommend everyone tightening them once in a while. Well this time it was different. On the other bolts it got to a point where you know the bolt was tight. On this one I tighten and it kept going and going and then just snap. I know it sucks!

 

note
in**

 

I don't use a torque wrench either. I just tighten the bolts until they're snug, then give them another 1/8th turn. You don't want to over compress the valve cover gasket. You'll end up cutting it if you tighten the bolts too much.

 

well yea...that can be done
but a torque wrench is key.....i got 2 of them..lol

 

11B-71? No? I'm obviously looking at the 'wrong' fastener. Can you shed some light and I'll go RTFM

 

Check Page 11A-29. I'd go by the illustration.

 

Thanks!

[EDIT]Uploaded pic of service manual.[/EDIT]

 

well...

for what it is worth, on an old Alfa with the pretty cam cover and an all aluminum motor one tightens till it quits leaking oil all over the globe and No more. As with the spark plug, tighten till snug. As the mechanic says, they need a wrench to pull even when installed just snug.

I can't imagine why you would tighten a cam cover unless it is leaking, in aluminum it is SO Easy to take the threads out.
It is not going to come off on it's own.

 

I know it sucks and it was my fault but like I mention this time it was different as if the bolt was bad already. I haven't remove the valve cover before but I hope it can be replace. Anyone know if the bolt screws directly in? How easy is it to replace it? Do I need to retap the hole? Broke a few on my honda which I fix. Not sure if it's the same for MIT.

Thks.

 

Looking at the picture of the engine where the valve cover was open it looks like it's going to be more painful then I thought. It looks like I will need to drill the broken bolt out and then retap a new hole.

Anyone know if I can drive long distance with one of the valve cover bolt broken? I think the car lost a little vacuum.

 

So no comments from the experts???

 

How did you break the bolt? Did you snap the bolt head off? Or did you just strip the threads on the head?