Topic: Broken valve cover bolt

[shizzomynizzo]

I just installed the 650 cam I bought a couple weeks ago. When Tightening the valve cover bolts, one snapped.

Will this cause any harm, or do I need to take it back off and use an extractor?

Thanks,
Shizz

[Gordon]

You should remove and replace it.  If there is enough of the bolt left protruding from the head after you pull the valve cover you can put two nuts on it and just unscrew it, or just grab it with pliers.  It should unscrew pretty easily since there's no tension on it.

[shizzomynizzo]

You should remove and replace it.  If there is enough of the bolt left protruding from the head after you pull the valve cover you can put two nuts on it and just unscrew it, or just grab it with pliers.  It should unscrew pretty easily since there's no tension on it.

I figured that was the answer, just really don't want to remove it again.
I will take my time and do it right.

I don't think there is enough there to even grab with vise grips, i guess i will be careful and use an easy out.

[68grandprix]

I have never had an easy-out work. The three times I've used one, I've had to deal with getting the broken easy-out, out. One time was on a broken GS750 exhaust stud. No tension on that either, but the easy out ruined it, and I had the bolt drilled perfectly. My preferred method is 1/8" or so mild steel strap about a foot long, with a hole drilled in it about the size of the stud. Hold it over the stud and mig weld a bead around the inside of the hole. Then twist the piece of strap to loosen the broken stud. If you need clearance after this you can bend the strap or cut it off and twist the stud out with pliers. Friends have tried welding nuts to studs, but they always break. This has worked the few times I've been unfortunate enough to have to do it. Jim

[shizzomynizzo]

just got it done, easy out worked great.

It only took five minutes.

[the.barrage.pdx]

Easy outs can be a pain, but with lots of patience and very little torque they can work well.  Also with the valve covers if you ever break one on the road a little gasket sealant or just a dab of JB weld will hold that thing on until you get it back home.  At least that's what I figured out when I was 500 miles away from anyone I knew with a wrench!

Have fun!