Broken bolt in 292 engine block?

[restorationboy14]

I was replacing my water pump in my 69 GMC and as I was in screwing the bottom driver side bolt the head broke off. Since then I am in the process of drilling it out and re tapping the threads. I'm 15 and thievish my first restoration so I have no idea how to finish drilling it out and re tapping the threads. So I figured I would ask the guys that know what they're doing. The bolt is almost drilled out completely but I just need to get one size bigger. Thanks for the help!!! -Sam
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[brad_man_72]

Ouch, I would have welded a nut to it, the heat really helps the stud/broken bolt come out.

If you've already ruined the existing threads in the block get the next size larger tap and the right drill bit.

If you haven't already ruined the threads in the block, carefully remove what's left of the bolt/stud and clean the threads with that size tap.
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[restorationboy14]

I haven't completely ruined the threats yet. Thanks for the help! Does anyone know where I can get a welder under 200 bucks? If this happens to me again I will just weld a nut to it like brad suggested. Thanks!
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[Lemield]

Maybe you can use a helicoil. I have had great luck with them.

[Transformula]

Originally Posted by Lemield

Maybe you can use a helicoil. I have had great luck with them.

Heli-Coils kick rear! They are a great repair and you get to keep the same diameter bolt after drilling to a bigger size. Drill to the specified size and then use the tap in the kit and install the insert. Done. Next time, try welding a nut to the stud/ bolt and it will usually will come right out. Just work it back and forth until it gets looser and looser. Sometimes if you get all gung-ho and just try twisting it out and it is stuck, it might break again.

[Racer2172]

Originally Posted by restorationboy14

I haven't completely ruined the threats yet. Thanks for the help! Does anyone know where I can get a welder under 200 bucks? If this happens to me again I will just weld a nut to it like brad suggested. Thanks!
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Here is a link to a cheap starter welder that harbor frieght sells.
http://www.harborfreight.com/90-amp-...ODQ5NCJ9%0D%0A,

but if you can wait and save up a little more cash here is a link to the one eastwood sells with a little more function with out too much cost.

http://www.eastwood.com/mig-welder-1...5a-output.html

Welcome to the board and if you can post pictures always helps too.

[joesgreen67]

I would STRONGLY recommend you try welding a nut to it FIRST!

Since you are unfamiliar with drilling/tapping/heli-coils I would use that if welding a nut fails. I have fixed many ford heads (sorry) that have broken intake bolts near cyl #1 by welding a nut to the broken bolt. IT WORKS!!


Usually the corrosion of seeping coolant is the culprit on water pump bolts. A little heat (from welding a nut) will "cook" this corrosion off and it will spin right out. Just wait for the welded nut to cool down before putting a wrench on it otherwise it just may break off.

Maybe look on craigslist to find somebody with a mobile welder setup. It would be money well spent!

[72 K20]

I used to weld nuts to broken bolts but a friend of mine showed me a trick that has worked out quite well. Weld a flat washer on the bolt first. With a nut you have to weld inside of the nut,,, not a lot of room. Weld a flat washer on then set a nut on top of the washer. You can weld the outside of the nut and the inside as well. This has worked very well for me.

Have a great day !! Tom

[Codez67Chevy]

Drill bits and an easy out kit works wonders also. No welding required lol