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

DissFigured

New Member

Apr 26, 2005

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Dallas, TX

Feb 10, 2007

#1

• Feb 10, 2007

• #1

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.

 

F

ForceFed70

That's why they call it "dope"

Founding Member

Dec 6, 1999

4,818

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BC Canada

Feb 10, 2007

#2

• Feb 10, 2007

• #2

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

The Answer Man

Founding Member

Apr 8, 2001

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North Atlanta

Feb 10, 2007

#3

• Feb 10, 2007

• #3

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

Founding Member

May 9, 2001

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Southlake, TX

Feb 10, 2007

#4

• Feb 10, 2007

• #4

allcarfan said:

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

Click to expand...

lol...my solution would have been duct tape

 

zookeeper

Founding Member

Aug 25, 2001

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Rogue River, Oregon

Feb 10, 2007

#5

• Feb 10, 2007

• #5

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

D.Hearne

New Member

Sep 29, 2000

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south louisiana

Feb 11, 2007

#6

• Feb 11, 2007

• #6

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

 

DissFigured

New Member

Apr 26, 2005

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Dallas, TX

Feb 11, 2007

#7

• Feb 11, 2007

• #7

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

D.Hearne

New Member

Sep 29, 2000

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south louisiana

Feb 11, 2007

#8

• Feb 11, 2007

• #8

What valve cover did you break?

 

DissFigured

New Member

Apr 26, 2005

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Dallas, TX

Feb 11, 2007

#9

• Feb 11, 2007

• #9

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

Founding Member

Feb 1, 2000

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Chandler, Az.

Feb 11, 2007

#10

• Feb 11, 2007

• #10

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

 

F

ForceFed70

That's why they call it "dope"

Founding Member

Dec 6, 1999

4,818

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BC Canada

Feb 11, 2007

#11

• Feb 11, 2007

• #11

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

New Member

Feb 24, 2006

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Feb 11, 2007

#12

• Feb 11, 2007

• #12

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

 

B

bnickel

Founding Member

Aug 21, 2002

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lubbock, texas

Feb 11, 2007

#13

• Feb 11, 2007

• #13

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

Founding Member

Aug 10, 2002

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Mom's basement

Feb 12, 2007

#14

• Feb 12, 2007

• #14

If you start it, the terrorists have already won.

 

D

D.Hearne

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Sep 29, 2000

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south louisiana

Feb 12, 2007

#15

• Feb 12, 2007

• #15

LMan said:

If you start it, the terrorists have already won.

Click to expand...

HUH? Did I miss something here? :damnit:

 

B

bnickel

Founding Member

Aug 21, 2002

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lubbock, texas

Feb 12, 2007

#16

• Feb 12, 2007

• #16

D.Hearne said:

HUH? Did I miss something here? :damnit:

Click to expand...

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