Topic: Broken Water Pump Bolt
in Forum: C3 Cooling and Heating Systems
Already a Member?
Click Here to Login
Not yet a Member?
Click Here to Register for Free!
Former Member
Send PM
Fallon, NV - USA
Joined: 7/25/2007
Posts: 43
Vette(s): 1978 Coupe, Red w/black leather interior, L48, Auto, A/C, Power Windows, Cruise, Tilt/Tele.
Thanks David. A friend loaned me a whole set of reverse drill bits today. So I have regular bits, reverse, punches, easy outs, and as Joel suggested various punches, a big hammer and everything else that should do the job, one way or the other.
The only thing missing is time....and that will come this weekend. The plan is to just blast some good music and drill away in no particular hurry. Afterall, I have all winter to get it fixed before spring cruising! Not really, too many other little things that need to get done on it.
Ernie
SPONSOR AD:: (Our Sponsors help support C3VR)
Lifetime MemberLanoka Harbor, NJ - USA
Joined: 12/21/2006
Posts: 828
Vette(s): 1975 metallic blue coupe with t-tops,L48, t/t steering, black leather interior. 1990 L98, white/red leather interior, auto,a/c
one other thing. i (hate to admit it) had a ford bronco. had to change
water pump and one of the bolts broke. where it was kind of a pain to
get to plus it was a long bolt and didn't want to chance drilling too
far. what i wound up doing was to helicoil it. i cut a bolt down to the
right length and it held perfectly.
LIFETIME MEMBER #97
THE DYNAMIC DUO
THE DYNAMIC DUO
Former Member
Send PM
Fallon, NV - USA
Joined: 7/25/2007
Posts: 43
Vette(s): 1978 Coupe, Red w/black leather interior, L48, Auto, A/C, Power Windows, Cruise, Tilt/Tele.
The helicoil is a great option if it gets down to it. I have absolutely no reservations about doing that. Our machinist at work had just suggested that to me as well. Thanks for the good idea.
This may not be possible, but depending on if your clear of flammable parts a good hot torch will help break the bolt loose. I've even welded a tit on the stud and turned it with vise grips. Being at the surface of the block or up inside that may not be possible. As the guy's said be real careful not to break an easy out up in there. Been there. REAL UGLY!!
You can do it!!!
Terry
Former Member
Send PM
Fallon, NV - USA
Joined: 7/25/2007
Posts: 43
Vette(s): 1978 Coupe, Red w/black leather interior, L48, Auto, A/C, Power Windows, Cruise, Tilt/Tele.
I'm going to get started on it tomorrow AM with an arsenal of stuff to try. I am going to be especially careful with the easy out since I don't want to break that off. Although, I've been telling the better half that if I can't get this bolt out I'll have to get a ZZ4.
I don't think she's buying it though.
Thanks for the tip.
I broke an ezout off in my aluminum (factory L-82) intake on the water neck bolt. They don't come out of aluminum without a BIG mess.
Good Luck!
Relax, have a homebrew and don't get in a hurry!!!
Good Luck!
Relax, have a homebrew and don't get in a hurry!!!
Former Member
Send PM
Fallon, NV - USA
Joined: 7/25/2007
Posts: 43
Vette(s): 1978 Coupe, Red w/black leather interior, L48, Auto, A/C, Power Windows, Cruise, Tilt/Tele.
Life is Good!
After buying some cobalt drill bits, since what I had on hand didn't work too well, and some square tapered easy outs and following Joel's procedure it came right out. 
I chased the threads with a tap, cleaned the bolts and am ready to go.
I chased the threads with a tap, cleaned the bolts and am ready to go.Thanks to all of you for the tips, advice and moral support. That's what makes this forum the best around. One thing for sure, anyone reading this thread now knows several methods and tricks to removing a broken bolt.
One thing for sure, anyone reading this thread now knows several methods and tricks to removing a broken bolt.I guess I'll have to wait awhile longer for the ZZ4.
Awesome job!! I knew you could do it!
in Forum: C3 Cooling and Heating Systems
SPONSOR AD: (Our Sponsors help support C3VR)