Broken Head Bolts inside block...help
01-07-2011, 03:53 PM
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Broken Head Bolts inside block...help
Well to start off I was putting my driver's side head back on and was tightening down the bolts per the LS1 HowTo article and on my last pass I managed to break 2 bolts off into the block. This was the 2nd time I had reused the bolts but didn't think this would happen, it was completely a mistake and I want to kill myself for letting it happen, but I'm trying to get past that and get my truck running ASAP.
The two bolts that broke are in the very back and obviously some of the hardest to get to. So I took the head back off to discover that both broken bolts are down past the top of the block, so I can't get vice grips on them, I guess my only option is to get a reverse bit. I'm more than likely gonna have to pull the engine unless anyone can give me any other ideas.
I'm really bummed about this and it kills me to know I was the one who did this so please keep the bashing to a minimum and help me out please!!
The two bolts that broke are in the very back and obviously some of the hardest to get to. So I took the head back off to discover that both broken bolts are down past the top of the block, so I can't get vice grips on them, I guess my only option is to get a reverse bit. I'm more than likely gonna have to pull the engine unless anyone can give me any other ideas.
I'm really bummed about this and it kills me to know I was the one who did this so please keep the bashing to a minimum and help me out please!!
01-07-2011, 04:14 PM
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The bolt that is farthest back(bolt is completely threaded) is the one that is probably down there 1/4-1/2" but the other one is farther down, I need to stick something down there and measure...but I'd say about an inch or two.
01-07-2011, 04:19 PM
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If the broken part of the bolt isn't streached too bad and down too deep you can cut a line in the center of it and use a screw driver. If itsa broke off flush drill it out start small and go till their are just threads left and use a pick to get them out. Another good trick is to take a nut and put it over the broken bolt and weld the center of the nut to the bolt and use a socket to remove it.
01-07-2011, 04:30 PM
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The one thats past a half an inch down you should try to use a screw driver if it has a part sticking up see if it will rotate. If not you will need a few tools a right angle drill will be your best friend. You have to start by having a spot that is centered to drill to even if you want to try a left handed bit. You will do this with a carbite deburring tool with smooth sides and abrasive tip i'll try and find a picture. Then start with 1/8 bit go bigger a little at a time so it will keep the hole perfectly centered and not damage the threads.
