I've delt with broken studs. I'm not sure if it's the stud or the bolt this time:

I'd removed the valvecover a dozen times in the last few weeks, did alot of work on the head, and than swapped to a friend's valvecover which is cut, much easier for tuning.

today i wanted to switch back to MY v/c, and the bottom left nut just turns. not loose, not tight, it just turns

and advice, other than cutting the nut and the stud and replacing both ?

 

^

 

Are you talking about that little chrome nut on your average B series valve cover? I'd just order a new stud and nut. The stud is really easy to remove with a wrench. DO NOT OVERTORQUE THE NUTS!

 

well I know I need a new stud, and trust me, replacing it is the first thing I will do....
........after I can find a way to get it off

 

Only way I could get it off was to dremel off the entire top . . . .

You'll need a deep 10mm socket to remove the old stud & install the new.

 

I used a deep impact socket to get mine out, no cutting needed. Its simple.

 

Take off your val;ve cover and get a deep socket 10mm wrench or imapact wrench, take it off and put on the new ones. I ordered mine (cap and stud) from http://www.hondaautomtiveparts.com. If You have the extra cash just by yourself some back ups too if you remove your valve cover that often.

 

if it's stripped, try loosening all the other nuts and jerkin up on the valve cover, while turning the nut. if not, I'd say take a dremel w/ a cutting wheel and grind off the nut flat.