Domain: technology (Hardware Troubleshooting and Maintenance)
Problem: My friend helped me replace the valve cover gasket on my 2014 Mazda 6 today because the old gasket was aging and causing minor oil seepage. Disaster struck when he overtightened one of the bolts and snapped it off completely. He assured me that it would not affect the engine structure since there are many other bolts holding the cover in place, but I am extremely worried because I know there is pressurized lubricant circulating under that cover. Please tell me the truth: is my engine toast? If I continue to drive without fixing it, what specific symptoms will my car develop over the next few days?
Answer: Not Toast. Expected symptoms include severe oil leaks and the Check Engine Light coming on due to vacuum leaks.