Checking the valve clearances and over doing it like an idiot

[sch]

So I checked my shims for the first time (which was easier than I had anticipated) all of them are fortunately within the tolerances. On re-tightening the valve cover bolts,
I obviously over tightened one of them. Fortunately I saw on duck's website he has the cam guide part in case of such an incident (which is what the bolt bolts into). I will need to buy one from you duck (so set one aside :)) but my concern is that can I still ride it? I just need to get it to my folks place about 250 miles from mine before the cold hits. I was going to do this over canadian thanksgiving. Do I risk any metal getting into my engine block? The screw is still pretty tight in there and I don't think it will pop out. Advice?

[frankenduck]

Not a big deal.  Worst case your valve cover gasket will leak.

[sch]

Thanks Duck - that's a relief. I will probably touch base with you over the winter to get some parts plus of course a valve cam guide.

[ReneZ]

Lots make the mistake to think that the tighter they bolt it down the better it seals, particularly when they see/suspect a leak, but that's no use. The cover seals on the pressure exerted by the rubber bobbins around the bolts. If they are old/hart/damaged the cover will not seal properly. The bolts themselves are just about hand tight (bit more....)