Cracked valve cover on removal - 94 volvo 850

[davhaney]

So while removing bits to pull the head, I cracked the valve cover. I think this was from putting uneven stress on the camshaft while removing from the head. The bit which is broken (I think) is mainly responsible for preventing too much lateral play in the shaft. Do I need to replace the valve cover + head, attempt to have it tig welded, or simply ignore it? If ignored, will there be extra oil volume/pressure at the cam seal to encourage leakage?

Feedback is appreciated.

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[abscate]

Ouch. I think JB weld is your only hope there. It will have to be really degreased well, and use the regular JB, not the Quick setting. Very thin application .then clamp lightly with a flat plate ?

[erikv11]

This issue is common when the cam cover does not come straight up during removal, or if the cams don't come straight up the same place breaks in the head . But this is a pretty bad case, previous examples I have seen have only one small piece broken from one side and the rest of the slot intact. In those cases people just leave it and I haven't heard it causes cam seal leaks.

Seems worth trying to repair but honestly I don't know how you can without leaving residue in the slot. Maybe abscate's idea will work.

Assuming the other half of the slots (in the head) are not broken too, I would probably just assemble it then keep an eye on the cam seals. Unless you hear with confidence on how to re-attach those broken pieces.