Razor512

Hi, I have a 2002 Toyota Camry V6 and I noticed that one of the valve cover bolts were missing.

The bolt that is missing is close to the back /center of the valve cover

Here is a picture of it:



Full sized images:
https://i.imgur.com/hH1Lv.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/ZIujl.jpg

The bolt that is supposed to be there seems to have been broken off with the stub that’s remaining, is flush with the home under the cover so there is no amount left over to grab with pliers .

The Toyota store does not seem to have any replacement bolts in stock and I am not sure what to do now. I don’t want that valve cover to blow out due to the missing bolt or cause other damages.

Also how much damage will it cause if not fixed very soon?

scuba

The main issue is with oil leaking through that section that's not torqued all the way tight. Best thing to do is pull the valve cover, grab what's left of that bolt with some pliers, and replace it. It would be smart to replace the valve cover gasket (~$10) at the dealer. You should be able to match the bolt with something from your local hardware store. But, I'd just order all new bolts and sealing washers from toyotapartszone.com and replace them all while you're in there.
You won't cause any horrific damage due to that. Just keep an eye on leakage in that spot and make sure your oil level is up to spec.

Razor512

I had the valve cover gasket replaced about 2 weeks ago and I think thats when the bolt may have broke.

I removed the plastic cover because I noticed that the wires were not properly laid on the grooves and thats when I noticed the bolt missing, there is no oil leak as of now.

I checked with a small screwdriver to see how much of the bolt was sticking up over the threaded hole and it was basically sitting flush with the hole so even if I were to remove the cover, there would be nothing to grab.

(having lots of bad luck as of late, just when I find a broken bolt, a giant storm hits NY)

bamacj5

i would take it back to who ever put the gaskets on and demand they fix it, they probably know they broke it and just figured you would never open the hood.

I hate shody mechanic work, makes the rest of us look bad.