Broken head bolt
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More Turbo
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 618
Likes: 3
From: Grand Rapids
Broken head bolt
Some of you will know my story from this thread:https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...t-a-b-c-d.html
I've begun the initial stages of the tear down of the replacement motor which has been sitting on my truck bed all winter. Its going into the shop whenever they bring in their heavy engine stand to mount it.
When I removed the rocker covers I found the reason why I probably got this motor for $350. I found a sheared bolt head (See pics) and signs of coolant. I suspect the head gasket has blown and the pressure has pushed the head of the bolt off. Perhaps they ran it over boost,who knows.
The heads were coming off anyway but I'm wondering if we should go any further at this point? I suppose it depends how long coolant has been mixing with oil but I would think with that bolt head rattling around under the rocker cover the PO probably didn't run it for long with that in there. At least I hope not.
Pics attached for analysis. In pic one you can see the bolt head. Pic 2 shows the condition of the oil in the valley pan and Pic 3 is of the sheared bolt
I've begun the initial stages of the tear down of the replacement motor which has been sitting on my truck bed all winter. Its going into the shop whenever they bring in their heavy engine stand to mount it.
When I removed the rocker covers I found the reason why I probably got this motor for $350. I found a sheared bolt head (See pics) and signs of coolant. I suspect the head gasket has blown and the pressure has pushed the head of the bolt off. Perhaps they ran it over boost,who knows.
The heads were coming off anyway but I'm wondering if we should go any further at this point? I suppose it depends how long coolant has been mixing with oil but I would think with that bolt head rattling around under the rocker cover the PO probably didn't run it for long with that in there. At least I hope not.
Pics attached for analysis. In pic one you can see the bolt head. Pic 2 shows the condition of the oil in the valley pan and Pic 3 is of the sheared bolt
Tuned
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 338
Likes: 2
From: Northern MA
Before you dive in, any way to put a starter on it and do a leakdown check? See if its any good at all? Could have been a defective bolt. Tearing into it will be a start. Have the heads tanked and pressure tested for any leaks.
Postmaster
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 4,319
Likes: 4
From: Elk City, OK
if you can get the head off with the nut still in there, try it. then its easy to get off. if its flared at the top and you cant slip the head up i dont think "easy outs" will help much. think its a little tougher then they can handle. maybe take a angle sander and sand it smoooth, try again. i dont remember if the bolts are straight or if theres a flared collar towards the top. rust makes me wonder on those rockers though. he must have left the motor outside for a while.
Thread Starter
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More Turbo
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 618
Likes: 3
From: Grand Rapids
if you can get the head off with the nut still in there, try it. then its easy to get off. if its flared at the top and you cant slip the head up i dont think "easy outs" will help much. think its a little tougher then they can handle. maybe take a angle sander and sand it smoooth, try again. i dont remember if the bolts are straight or if theres a flared collar towards the top. rust makes me wonder on those rockers though. he must have left the motor outside for a while.
Postmaster
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 4,319
Likes: 4
From: Elk City, OK
ya, nut extractor socket will work fine and quickly. i wouldnt try the welding if you can avoid it. you would have to cover the block very well to make sure you dont get any slag anywhere and pit something
Thread Starter
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More Turbo
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 618
Likes: 3
From: Grand Rapids
What do you think about the condition of the head and rockers. Should I go for a replacement head?
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Postmaster
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 4,319
Likes: 4
From: Elk City, OK
na, just a wire brush will do ya fine. even a hot tank would be good. help get any crud off and out of em.
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Thread Starter
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More Turbo
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 618
Likes: 3
From: Grand Rapids
I'm thinking/hoping it was too much turbo boost which raised the head and caused the bolt head to separate. Hope full I can get away with a skim.