Can I start the engine w/ a cracked valve cover?

[DissFigured]

I over torqued a bold on the valve cover, and cracked it. The crack is about 3 inches long. What will happen if I start the motor?

I am not sure if there is a science behind the valve covers, and there is pressure in there or if they are simply to prevent oil from being splattered all over the engine compartment.

 

[ForceFed70]

You can start the engine. There is very little pressure in the valve covers and they are essentially a splash shield. It'll probably leak oil from the crack tho.

 

[allcarfan]

just go get some JB weld and put it on the cover until you get a new one. That will prevent it from leaking.

 

[xoxbxfx]

just go get some JB weld and put it on the cover until you get a new one. That will prevent it from leaking.

lol...my solution would have been duct tape

 

[zookeeper]

You can start the engine without a valve cover at all if you want. That's the way to adjust hydraulic lifters, is with the engine running and valve cover off.

 

[D.Hearne]

Messy, Messy, Messy!!!!!!!! Wrist tight only next time, holding the rachet in the palm of your hand.

 

[DissFigured]

lesson learned.

I really like my valve covers and hate to have to buy em over again.
I thought they were really strong and was tightening and heard "CRACK"
I yelled "F___" loud enough to elicit concern from the neighbors.

 

[D.Hearne]

What valve cover did you break?

 

[DissFigured]

passenger side.
Similar to these except they say 289 on them as well:

Several people have told me I should just upgrade to the chrome ones. They sell the Edelbrock chrome ones really cheap at Pep Boys, but honestly, I think that chrome valve covers look sort of cheap.

 

[Dark Knight]

Might try and have them welded on the inside, then re-paint them.

 

[ForceFed70]

Welding cast aluminum isn't that easy. He'd probably end up paying almost as much as it would cost for a new set.

 

[SHIFTY101EASY]

and it still wouldnt look too good i bet. get new ones.

 

[bnickel]

i had my cast aluminum "powered by ford" 84 GT valve covers welded up because some dumbass over tightened them and broke 2 of the mounting ears completely off. mustan have been a fairly common occurrence with that particular style though because Ford redisigned them with taller mounting ears for the 85 model year.

 

[LMan]

If you start it, the terrorists have already won.

 

[D.Hearne]

If you start it, the terrorists have already won.

HUH? Did I miss something here? :damnit:

 

[bnickel]

HUH? Did I miss something here? :damnit:

yep, thats' it exactly. i didn't think anyone would figure it out but there ya go.