Broken Bolt on a 22RE!!!!

[ozzy702]

I just threw my 22re back together and I ended up snapping the "hidden" bolt that connects the head and the timing chain cover. I used rtv between the head and the timing chain cover and I'm wondering if you guys think it's ok to just drive it as is? The only concern I have is that it might possibly lead to a bad head gasket in time. Let me know what you guys think. I really don't want to go through the hassel of taking the entire thing back apart and drilling out the bolt. If I was to do that, what is the best way? Thanks guys!

[texas12]

Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but the bolt connecting the timing cover and the head or block should not cause a problem leading to a bad head gasket. Will it lead to a leak around the timing cover? Maybe. It is there for a reason. Short-term, if there are no leaks, you could probably run it. Long-term, it's your vehicle, but I would fix it right.

[Greasygreg]

been there, done that,cussed a lot, and ran it.eventually,the oil pressure from the timing chain forced its wat around the gunk and it leaked oil.not a lot,but it always looked wet there.Timing cover will come off without needind to pull the head,you need to pull crank pulley,the first 6 bolts on the oil pan,4 bolts that connect the cover to the block and two long water pump bolts.having said that,Ill tell you that its easier to pull the head,and you probably wont ever forget about that bolt ever again I dont