Small Block & Big Block Chevy Specific - Broken head bolt

So I was tearing the 454 down that I got to put in my boat to put in my cam..pulled the drivers side valve cover, and found half of a head bolt laying there. It is the one between #4 and #6 cylinders. The engine ran fine before I pulled it, had 60+ lbs. of oil pressure and didn't smoke or use any oil. Needless to say I was pissed..but now I'm thinking of just running it like it is until something gives...any suggestions?

pull the heads really quick put new gaskets in it and some arp bolts...
Take you a few hours maybe and maybe $150?

^^^^^yep, i agree with him, that way you will never have to wory about it, and nows the time to do it if your ganna.

Yea, I do have a complete gasket set in the garage..I was just gonna try to not pull the heads if I didn't have to. Looks like I may end up doing it now anyway. I guess I'll have to take the heads and have them surfaced too.

Yea, I do have a complete gasket set in the garage..I was just gonna try to not pull the heads if I didn't have to. Looks like I may end up doing it now anyway. I guess I'll have to take the heads and have them surfaced too.

might as well, your doing new valvesprings too if I read ur other post correctly...
Worry free maintenance, couple hours couple hundred bucks, to me it would be a no brainer...

the intake is prolly leaking anyways, damn big blocks1

i had a 74 banshee jet boat.. couldnt be any easier to work on, id go for the repairs.

Yea, I may as well pull them off. I have to change the springs out too. I'm changing intakes too, already pulled it off as well. Gonna pull the pan and change the rear main seal and oil pan gaskets while it's on my engine stand.

i had a 74 banshee jet boat.. couldnt be any easier to work on, id go for the repairs.

Yea, this is my first jetboat. I love it so far. I'm ready to get it in the water. It won't be the fastest thing out there, just a nice lake boat. They're simple to work on too :judge: .