89Convert

went to repalce my valve cover gaskets this morning and I think one of the bolts is broken off...passenger side, back lower bolt...by the engine hoist bracket...is this a special bolt or is it broken? I cant tell...how hard is it to tap that sucker outta there? size?

roundman

remove the engine hoist bracket and the rest of the other valve cover bolts, then remove the cover and gasket. if the stub of the bolt is sticking up, you can try using some Vice Grip pliers on it to remove it. if it's broken off down in the head, you will need to use a screw extractor or "Easy Out" to remove it after drilling a hole in it for the extractor to fit into. these are small bolts, so you need a small size extractor and drill bit.

89Convert

good idea...I think that will work cause it looks like its at least broken where its flush with the top lip of the vc...thanks again roundman! wish me luck..my girl says I gotta rake the leaves first....ugh...

vfast

sometime you can notch the bolt and use a screwdriver to back it out as I thing there might only be 15 pounds of tq on the bolt

roundman

I hesitate to admit it, but when I finally got around to changing the gaskets on mine, every one of the bolts were finger loose! No damn wonder I had some leaks, huh? LOL

89Convert

couldnt get it out with vice grips...Im gonna try to notch it and back it out with a screwdriver....what should I notch it with? or is it just as easy to use an extractor?

littlehouse

Delicate use of a cut-off tool would work. So would the edge of a small file. Hack saw would also work. Good luck, let us know what worked for you when ya finish.

roundman

hacksaw is usually the cheapest and easiest to use to make a slot for a screwdriver.