I'm pulling heads (d3ve) on my son's f150 460 and broke a bolt on the exhaust manifold. I think I can get it out once the head is off. I ran the engine to operating temp hoping it would help losen, but broke anyway.

Anyone have a nice trick on how to get these out without breaking them?

 

They say candle wax but I've never tryed it.

 

I have used the candle wax method and it works mighty fine...........

 

How does the candle wax work I have never heard this before?
-Johnboy

 

The method is to heat the broken fastener, and area where the fastener is installed. Heat it hot enough to melt candle wax when the wax is touched to the area.
Once heated rub the candle to the broken fastener, around the threaded area. The idea is that the wax will wick into the threads and add a small amount of lube to the threads. This lubrication will help with the extraction. They seem to come out reasonable well after this is performed.
I have used this methind on several broken bolts.
Now can it be argued that the bolt was not in there that bad? Yes, but this has worked after other methods have failed. I am not easiily impressed, but this little trick taught to me by an old timer ( My pops) raised an eyebrow to the point that I keep a decent sized candle in my tool box.

 

Have to remember that one its new to me.
-Johnboy

 

May or may not work every time, but it at least gives us another option and it is another piece of information for the "toolbox" between our ears.

 

I thought the candle wax method was to burn a candle all night getting these out lol.. I finally got them put.. thanks guys.

 

I use my mig welder to weld a nut onto the broke off bolt.Drilling and tapping takes too long.But I`m going to try the wax also next time.

 

They were in there 32 years. had to drill 6 of 16 out. that was fun.