Easy Out on Valve Cover Bolt

[chris360hawks]

I pulled the valve cover on the Sienna today to check for sludge. Well my engine was pretty clean, but everything just got worse from there. I tightened all of the bolts and was rechecking them when I torqued one too tight and the bolt cracked. S&*^, F#%&, D^&*. Now there is a piece of the bolt stuck in the valve cover. I was wondering if anybody has attempted an easy out on aluminum before, and how hard it was. I really don't want to mess this up anymore. My Toyota dealer is closed today, otherwise I would take it there. Please someone offer me some advice!!!

P.S. I have an 02' Sienna.

[clubfoot]

I hope I have the picture of this right in my mind. Why not remove the valve cover again, and the shank from the remainder of the broken screw will protrude enough that you can use a vice grip on it?

[chris360hawks]

Originally Posted by clubfoot

I hope I have the picture of this right in my mind. Why not remove the valve cover again, and the shank from the remainder of the broken screw will protrude enough that you can use a vice grip on it?

There was enough of the bolt protruding from the bottom of the valve cover and I was able to remove it, by twisting to the right with a pair of 90 degree bent needle nose pliers until all of the threads were out!

[clubfoot]

Excellent!