Broken Bolt on the Valve Cover

TNguy08 · 12-06-2008, 08:00 PM

Heres the deal..
I bought a 71 Silverado earlier this year. The guy I bought it from had done a little bit of work too it. He drove to far for work to be taking it back and forth and wanted to part with it so I grabbed it up. I am in no way a mechanic...neither is my father..brothers..you get the picture.. But I wanted to take on this project. Never had anything I could call my own so I was happy to take on the project. After a few months there was this knocking sound...the move I rev'd the engine the faster it would be... after talking to this person and that person..they said I should take the valve covers off and tighten the rocker arms. I took one off and did this but when I was putting the cover back on the head of the bolt broke off. I dont recall it being really tight and I wasnt using any power tools so I think it was more the bolt than being overtighten since none of the others broke .....

HOW THE HECK DO I GET IT OUT. Its sticking out a little less than a quarter of an inch but is a bit slanted. I bought this (Grabit at Lowe's: #2 Screw Remover) Grabit from lowes but that did not work. The end that is supposed to drill it out did NOTHING.

Now after looking at sears I found this
Craftsman 4 pc. Drill-Out Power Extractor - Model 450SR at Sears.com

Is that the same thing or will it work? If not what can I do?

I have no major power tools or anything like that, but I have a pretty good job and can buy whatever is necessary...the cheaper the better.

Sorry for the long story, I was hoping someone would have a bit of pity for me haha.
Also..I can include any pictures if that would help.

Thanks,
Ryan

mudseeker · 12-06-2008, 08:19 PM

those are more for soft metals like deck scews and such. see if you can find a set of easy outs at your local parts store.

TNguy08 · 12-06-2008, 09:21 PM

I found what you are talking about..found some at sears for a reasonable price.

What can I do to drill into it straight with the bolt that is a bit uneven and sticking out a little bit?

mudseeker · 12-06-2008, 11:17 PM

file or grind it as flat as possible with out damaging the gasket sealing surface, then drill out the center with a bit around half the size of the bolt. go easy with the easy out (no pun intended), you snap that and your in trouble.

bradrhale · 12-07-2008, 06:24 AM

take a small punch and dimple the middle of the bolt. you need that hole to be drilled as close to center as possible. if you go off to one side, you risk drilling into the thread and preventing the bolt from coming out.

leolkfrm · 12-07-2008, 06:44 AM

the new kits with the reverse twist drills are nice, sometimes they will bring the piece out as you drill the hole. I would soak the bolt with kroyl before working on it it will creep down the threads.

bradrhale · 12-07-2008, 06:46 AM

the reverse bit kit that i bought with 5 different sizes costs me an arm and leg. but you are right, they are nice. think i bought mine from fastenal which might be the reason i paid so much.

12-06-2008, 08:00 PM	#1
TNguy08 Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Posts: 2	Broken Bolt on the Valve Cover Heres the deal.. I bought a 71 Silverado earlier this year. The guy I bought it from had done a little bit of work too it. He drove to far for work to be taking it back and forth and wanted to part with it so I grabbed it up. I am in no way a mechanic...neither is my father..brothers..you get the picture.. But I wanted to take on this project. Never had anything I could call my own so I was happy to take on the project. After a few months there was this knocking sound...the move I rev'd the engine the faster it would be... after talking to this person and that person..they said I should take the valve covers off and tighten the rocker arms. I took one off and did this but when I was putting the cover back on the head of the bolt broke off. I dont recall it being really tight and I wasnt using any power tools so I think it was more the bolt than being overtighten since none of the others broke ..... HOW THE HECK DO I GET IT OUT. Its sticking out a little less than a quarter of an inch but is a bit slanted. I bought this (Grabit at Lowe's: #2 Screw Remover) Grabit from lowes but that did not work. The end that is supposed to drill it out did NOTHING. Now after looking at sears I found this Craftsman 4 pc. Drill-Out Power Extractor - Model 450SR at Sears.com Is that the same thing or will it work? If not what can I do? I have no major power tools or anything like that, but I have a pretty good job and can buy whatever is necessary...the cheaper the better. Sorry for the long story, I was hoping someone would have a bit of pity for me haha. Also..I can include any pictures if that would help. Thanks, Ryan Last edited by TNguy08; 12-06-2008 at 08:14 PM.

12-06-2008, 11:17 PM	#4
mudseeker Senior Moderator Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: michigan Posts: 6,376	file or grind it as flat as possible with out damaging the gasket sealing surface, then drill out the center with a bit around half the size of the bolt. go easy with the easy out (no pun intended), you snap that and your in trouble. __________________ i'd rather be hunting

12-07-2008, 06:44 AM	#6
leolkfrm Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: N.Y. Posts: 4,300	the new kits with the reverse twist drills are nice, sometimes they will bring the piece out as you drill the hole. I would soak the bolt with kroyl before working on it it will creep down the threads. __________________ 4 wheels move the body 2 wheels move the soul B.W.A.I

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12-06-2008, 08:19 PM	#2
mudseeker Senior Moderator Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: michigan Posts: 6,376	those are more for soft metals like deck scews and such. see if you can find a set of easy outs at your local parts store. __________________ i'd rather be hunting

12-06-2008, 09:21 PM	#3
TNguy08 Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Posts: 2	I found what you are talking about..found some at sears for a reasonable price. What can I do to drill into it straight with the bolt that is a bit uneven and sticking out a little bit?

12-07-2008, 06:24 AM	#5
bradrhale Senior Moderator Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Texas Posts: 8,030	take a small punch and dimple the middle of the bolt. you need that hole to be drilled as close to center as possible. if you go off to one side, you risk drilling into the thread and preventing the bolt from coming out.

12-07-2008, 06:46 AM	#7
bradrhale Senior Moderator Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Texas Posts: 8,030	the reverse bit kit that i bought with 5 different sizes costs me an arm and leg. but you are right, they are nice. think i bought mine from fastenal which might be the reason i paid so much.