I received the 3/8" Motordyne plenum today, and of course, could not wait for the weekend to put it in.

The install went damn well and was pretty much finished after about 1 hour and 45 minutes until the final screw (back right) on the engine cover. Being almost completely giddy, awaiting my first drive with the new plenum, I snapped the top of this screw.

Now, before anyone starts, I am an IDIOT, no need to rub it in. The screw felt tight going in, I DEFINITELY should have stopped and tried to ensure a proper fit but the damage is done.

So my question is: What would be the best way to correct this situation?

I have not taken the cover off the engine since I broke the screw. Like I said I was too excited to get into my car . . . but I am pretty sure the screw will be exposed from the top of the plenum and may be able to be removed with a pair of vice-grips (man that sounds brutal ) or if it is not exposed above the plenum maybe I could use a "screw removal" bit and power driver to remove the bolt?

The obvious is that the screw does not serve as a vital part of the functionality of the vehicle but I know it is there and I would like to fix it.

If I get the screw out should I attempt to re-tap the hole?

I will say that i would definitely be better with two people, especially when putting the plenum top back on.

Sooo . . . getting to the spacer and the first drive. I am sure I feel a power gain, mostly through the mid range and above. The next few days I will have more to say . . . of course I have rambled on long enough here, maybe my comments won't be welcome . . .

BTW . . . this was also posted on another forum.

 

I'd take a dremel tool to the screw and make a new slot! Then remove the broken screw and replace it.

Need some good small bits for your dremel? Ask your local dentist for an appropriate bur... I am a dentist here in Georgia. Depending on what Dremel Tool kit you bought from the hardware store, you may have to purchase the appropriate chuck for these small burs that our dental handpiece (drills) use...

If you dont have a local dentist, email me and I'll send you some...

Cleantooth@yahoo.com

 

hey that's cool kramrd . I never thought of taking the G to the dentist. Neat idea.

 

Great advice, and probably what I'd try first as well. If no success, just take off the engine cover and try your vise grips on it.

 

Thanks for the advice, I plan on taking a closer look this weekend. I am just glad the bolt was not a crucial part.

 

I've used the Dremel trick many times with success-I used a thin cutoff wheel to notch the bolt/screw head enough to use a flat-head screwdriver to back it out.

good luck.

 

That bolt may be crucial to a good seal tho.
C.

 

I had to do that during an uppipe install on my WRX to back a stuck stud out of something down in the engine bay.