valve cover broken bolt query?

Damn...I was just finishing the new valve cover gasket install when i over-torqued the center bolt on the cover and snapped it off. Obviously, I will have to go in and remove it at some point (easy-out, etc.) My question: will the lack of pressure there cause the gasket to leak right into the spark plug wells, or is this something that will hold for a bit? I was finishing the torque sequence, so it was the first and last one to be torqued, so all the others are good. note to self: ft-lbs are different fron inch-lbs...:punchout::(:punchout:

Still, I'd rather leave it for a bit until I finish painting my other valve cover and do the repair then if it isn't going to foul my plugs all to hell right away? Wait and see, or must it be fixed ASAP? (not a daily driver)

I think I'd worry more about warping the cover than fouling a plug. If it's a disposable cover then I would think you'd be ok a few hundred miles of daily driving. Why not just pull it off and replace the bolt now?

Being at they are torqued to inch/lbs and only snug, I'd doubt they'd warp a solid aluminum valve cover.

I'd think you'd be fine for a bit. Just the two center plug wires in a few days and check for leaks.

Did it snap at the head? If so, I think a vice grips to the exposed threads one the valve cover is off will fix your problem. I'm sure Gary at Track Dog has another VC bolt.

Thanks. I didn't want to pull the cover and replace the bolt right now since I plan to do it in a few weeks when I put the powder-coated cover on. I hope is snapped with some thread exposed, but Murphy's Law generally dictates that it will be broken below that level... I'll get it out, but I have a feeling its gonna be a typical PITA to do it well and not get a bunch of metal in the head/oil. I'll pick one up from Gary.

When mine broke a while ago I was able to just use pliers, take that Murphy!

This might be a good addition to your tool chest. ;)

If Gary doesn't have an extra vc bolt laying around, I know I have plenty extras....