So im into my ecotec, working on the timing and i find this when i remove the plug that hides the upper fixed mount bolt



it seems to have broke off in the cylinder head. recommendation on proceeding?

Is there enough thread left sticking out of the head to where you may be able to remove it?

Ya those are a pain! tiny threads too, can you get at it with the engine in the car? I did mine with the engine out.

i actually pulled the head, and took it to rams cylinder heads in st louis. they checked it for flatness and drilled it and sleeved it. 30 bucks for the drill and sleeve, and 7 for the bolt from gm. i used brake clean and a scotch pad to clean the carbon out of the head, but all in all, there wasnt much. it looked really good. the guy at the shop said they have had all the way through 2010's come in with that bolt broken off. i actually believe the girl i got the car from now, that it was replaced at 100k.

im actually happy i had to pull the head. there was a small piece of rubber gasket stuck in the pcv hole in the intake, and all the intake bolts were loose...

I think a lot of people would be amazed at what they'd find if they pulled their valve covers and heads....

glad to hear its all gettin fixed! from what I hear these bolts are weak as hell and break easy...


04 Cav. 2dr. 5spd. My DD. 'Nuff said.

Gald it went well for ya!

I designed a quick and easy fix for this problem that eliminates the need for any drilling, filing, tapping, or having to
deal with metal filings getting into the engine. Just got some made at a machine shop and tried them last week.
They work exactly as I designed them to do. I will try to attach a photo of one. This took less than 1 minute for me
to install and is as far as I'm concerned is a much better and stronger fix for this common problem.

I am a new member to this group so if I cant post a picture of it here if someone would like to see just send me a message
and I'll email a pic to you.

Mike Brandt
Twin Cities Area