How to remove a sheared valve cover bolt?

I have been driving with one missing Valve Cover bolt since I swapped the gasket last and I have been planning to replace it again soon (to fix he bolt). I purchased left handed drill bits (OEM Brand - seem to be junk that breaks quickly) and I purchased replacement bolts as well.

Basically- has anyone had this issue, and if so what's the best way to remove the bolt?

I believe the bolt is flush, or at lease there less than enough to grab with a vice grip.

Is is there a specific extractor or bit that you have used that works very well?

Advice is appreciated.

If it snapped when tightening, you may get lucky and as soon as you hit it with the left handed bit it will spin out - but if not:

- Make sure you center punch the bolt prior to drilling
- Make sure your punch is really in the center of the bolt before drilling
- Start with an obscenely small drill bit, but be very careful when drilling so you don't break off the bit
- Slowly work your way up in size, drilling just a little at a time - it's tempting to just drill an 1/8" hole and go straight to the extractor, but you will likely regret it later
- Since you bought that particular brand, you are correct in that they aren't the highest quality - all the more reason to go slowly
- Pack some rags around the area to prevent getting metal shrapnel everywhere - and be careful when removing them
- I've had better luck with the spiral-cut extractors as opposed to the square type - less prone to breakage
- Remember when reinstalling that the torque isn't very high - measured in in-lb. I honestly don't use a torque wrench on them, rely primarily on experience and just use the German spec - gutentite....

Good Luck!

Thank you! This weekend I may be able to get into it. I'll probably spend the money on better bits too because I do t want it to break mid process. It did happen when tightening, so I hope it come out without major issue....knock on wood.