I changed the valve cover gasket and now have a grinding type noise coming from? One bolt broke while tightning down the cover. I have ordered it (12x199). Actually the bolt broke right at the nut cap on top of valve cover. Is it OK to drive short distances until a replacement bolt arrives? I tried finding something to seal the bolt area but haven't been successful yet. I do also notice air blowing through the missing nut cap. Ever since this happened I have a strange (grind?) and the engine sounds strange. I can feel a small vibration in steering wheel. On acceleration a noise (like dry bearings) is noticed. ANY HELP OR SUGGESTIONS? I need to fix ASAP!!! THANKYOU!!
Added On:
OK I found that the noise is coming from the belt/housing next to the valve cover. Is this where the timing belt is? It sounds like dry bearings or metal on metal. The sound comes and goes, and in neutral I have the same grinding. What is in the housing?


Modified by jakester at 6:42 PM 12/6/2003

 

mine broke on my civic like that, but didnt hear any grinding. i drove it too like a few miles. good luck maybe something fell in there??

 

make sure anything didnt fall in there?
Nuts,bolts,etc

 

It turned out to be the belt housing next to the valve cover. I must have jarred it a bit causing it to rub occasionally on pulley.
WHEEUUU!!

 

Checked everything again. Found a couple of loose bolts but no damage. Noise is coming from the crankshaft area (lower cover area). Who can tell me what to do? I cannot take it to the shop right now! Noise is still slight grind on occasion or metal housing rubbing? Car doesn't do this on initial cold start, only when warmed up. And NO nothing was dropped in the engine. Had valves covered entirely. HELP!