Broke a cam retainer plate bolt after cam swap. Acouple of people have said not to worry,one bolt is sufficient. What do ya'll think? If not what is the best way to fix it?

 

Well, I am not an experienced engine builder but have done a few over the years. I sure would feel more comfortable with both bolts securing the cam plate. While one might work o.k. why take a chance of that cam walking? Can't you easily replace the broken bolt? I guess I must ask is how you broke the bolt? Was it over TQ'd?

 

1/4"-20 x 1/2" camshaft retainer bolt.

 

Yeh the bolt was over torqued and the threaded part is in the block. I don't want to punch it out for fear of losing it in the block and drilling seems like a bad idea too. Are there any other possible solutions?

 

I would try an easy out bolt remover. I certainly wouldnt instal the retainer plate with just one of the bolts, if that were to come loose and the cam moved out that would be a real mess.

 

"EASY OUT" what is that ,how does it work and where do you get them.

Thanks

 

I sure agree.

I don't mean to lecture, but this is a good example of the need to reference TQ specs. I've learned this lesson the hard way also.

 

It's also called a bolt or screw extractor. They make them in various sizes, its a hardened steel reverse thread screw shaped piece with a square end so you can turn it with a wrench. You drill out the center of the bolt that you broke with a bit just smaller than the screw extractor then reverse thread it in until it bites then back the bolt out. They come in little packs with the right bit and the extractor at most autoparts or hardware stores for about $5-$10.

 

Don I was using the correct torque spec the bolt was just weak and broke. I will be getting new bolts.

Greg thanks for the help. I'm off to parts store.

 

NAZLT1, sorry for the incorrect assumption. I am amaze that so many backyard mechanic just TQ stuff down with no regard for the specs.

 

No harm, No foul.
PS: The easy-out worked perfectly.