broke off valve cover bolt

[kspageddie]

Okay, I broke off a valve cover bolt. Was not paying attention and turned the bolt the wrong way and it broke off in the head. I know...laugh all you want, I deserve it.

I tried to get it out with an easy out, no luck. So what is next? Could I drill the bolt out and use a heli-coil? Or do I have to take the head off and make a trip to the machine shop?

Thanks in advance

 

[addo]

What position?

 

[ludwig]

What position?

Probably standing, legs spread apart about 18", upper body bent half way over at the waist.

 

[addo]

I suppose my post was sufficiently vague to merit that!

 

[Anonymous]

i broke one off too....i had mechanic take it out when he revoed entire cover.

I think you could carefully drill into it and break it apart or hammer a slott into it and turn it oout with a screwdriver

why did Addo wanna know what position you like?

 

[Anonymous]

Left hand drill bit close to the same diameter as the bolt, you may have to look around to find one. Usually though before you get all the way through the broken bolt it will suddenly zip right out.
-- EZ-outs get a bad rap because the design for attacthing a tool to them sucks. This lets them get cockeyed and break or the tourgue is sideways instead of circular. I have a full set that i welded a 1/4" drive socket to each one. Allows me to turn them carefully and true with a ratchet. Actually have good luck with them. But NEVER buy the cheapo ones. I have some that have taken out dozens of broken bolts (read chevy exhaust and 253 intakes) and lasted 10 plus years.

 

[addo]

why did Addo wanna know what position you like?

I'm not winning this thread.

 

[kspageddie]

Addo: I feel uncomfortable talking about any positions. However, I do like longs walks on the beach and rainy days...

As far as the bolt goes, it is flush with the head.

Danwagon: You have described my problem to a T. I am having a hard time finding a tool to use on the EZ out. I drilled into the bolt and the EZ grabs the bolt, but I can not turn the EZ out.

At lunch today I am going to go to the hardware store and try to find a left handed drill bit..

 

[Anonymous]

why did Addo wanna know what position you like?

I'm not winning this thread.

It's a play on that whole "down under' thing :roll:
Just noticed i invented a whole new chevy 6 banger a 253-- funny i thought i was typing 235.

 

[addo]

253 is (was) a little GM eight down here.

 

[CobraSix]

Okay, back to topic.

HOw attached are you to the bolt? I broke one off very similar to you and I didn't worry about it and never had a problem.

Slade

 

[Anonymous]

I will take it back to the darker side

"so you busted a nut....?"

 

[kspageddie]

If I dont worry about, wont I have a oil leak around the missing bolt.

 

[Anonymous]

depends on the side....

 

[kspageddie]

The broken bolt is on the intake side closest to the front of the motor.

I just bought a T-Handle Tap Holder at the Hardware store. I'll find out tonite if it works. Seems that as long as i can get the EZ-Out to take hold I should be able to turn it with the T-Handle Tap Holder. If not, I am only out 6 bucks.

 

[kspageddie]

Well, bet you can guess what is coming next. Yes I broke the ez-out. So now what? Should I try to drill it out or should I just put my new gasket on and hope for the best?

 

[addo]

The reason I asked what position, is to work out whether the hole is a blind hole or not. From your description of where the problem lies, I think it is. :x

Probably tack-welding on a bit of rod is the easiest fix but being on the high side, leakage will be much less while you drive to get it fixed.

 

[t-west]

Could he notch the top with a dremel type cutter and then remove with a slotted screw driver?

 

[LameHoof65]

No one's laughing at least not me, i did the same thing with my head---only at the front--a thermostat cover bolt---and yea, I broke the easy out in there too. How did I get it out....I didn't---I just set it aside and got another head. I tried everything short of taking it to someone---I welded a washer to it--as much as I could anyway---it was broke inside the hole--I used a drift punch and hammer to try and work it out--with lots of wd40, didn't work..drilling after losing the ez out in there was no fun either..broke my bit. I have worked plenty of broken bolts out with a drift punch and wd40 just steady firm tapping and a bit of a lip on the broken bolt with lots of wd40 and lots of patience..but the ez out will most likely just chip away.

 

[kspageddie]

Could he notch the top with a dremel type cutter and then remove with a slotted screw driver?

Funny you should say that. I was going to try this tonite after I got home from work.