Bolt broken off in smog pump for pulley

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Apr 12, 2023 | 04:24 PM

Anonymous12

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Laughing Gas

Joined: Jan 2023

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Bolt broken off in smog pump for pulley

I am working on my 88 f150 I went to put the smog pump pulley back on and the fricken bolt broke in it. Go figure after I just dealt with the timing cover one. Will I be fine with 2 bolts for the pulley without risk? I can’t fit my drill in there with a big enough drill bit. I know someone’s gonna be saying delete it, I can’t I live in the California I can’t do that. I wish I could. But it’s stupid I used a 1/4 impact fricken gutless and it broke.

Apr 12, 2023 | 06:54 PM

jas88

Lead Driver

Joined: Feb 2002

Posts: 7,952

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From: Greater Austin, Texas

You're gonna have to pull the pump out to drill out the bolt. You can go with 2 bolts if you want, nobody can promise you it will or will not work. Nobody knows that. If you do, I recommend you loosen the belt a bit.

Apr 12, 2023 | 07:24 PM

spurredon

FTE Legend

Joined: Jun 2004

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From: Upstate NY

Can you cut the drill bit off so it will fit? You can cut them on a grinder. The more you work on vehicles, the more odd shape tools you will end up with and after a while you will not remember what they are for! LOL

Apr 12, 2023 | 08:18 PM

Anonymous12

Thread Starter

Laughing Gas

Joined: Jan 2023

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I will see if I have some old bits to cut. If not it’s 2 bolts to take it out. I just want to avoid taking pressure off that gasket

Apr 12, 2023 | 09:36 PM

Mo8414

Mountain Pass

Joined: Dec 2018

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2 bolts is probably fine. My power steering pump is only on with 2 bolts and has been holding just fine. Ultimately its what you feel comfortable with.

Apr 12, 2023 | 10:13 PM

Anonymous12

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Laughing Gas

Joined: Jan 2023

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Ok, thanks for the help guys.

Apr 13, 2023 | 05:37 AM

yeet

Tuned

Joined: Feb 2023

Posts: 278

Likes: 86

If you get it back together and driving, you might want to make the first trip with it to a Priest. A few Hail Marys and a little Holy water wouldn't hurt.

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Apr 13, 2023 | 08:27 AM

manicmechanic007

Hotshot

Joined: Jul 2020

Posts: 10,268

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From: Near Salt Lake City

I personally would pull the air pump and fix the broken bolt
It will run till the cows come home, with the two that are still there
Chances are you can unscrew what's left of the bolt with your fingers 0r very little drilling with a left hand drill bit
I use an air powered angle drill I purchaced for freakin Bimmer waterpump bolts
Cheap (is relative) and easy with one of these

Apr 13, 2023 | 08:30 AM

#10

manicmechanic007

Hotshot

Joined: Jul 2020

Posts: 10,268

Likes: 2,563

From: Near Salt Lake City

This Matco reversable angle drill was expensive, but is 30 years old and still works like new

Apr 17, 2023 | 11:28 PM

#11

Anonymous12

Thread Starter

Laughing Gas

Joined: Jan 2023

Posts: 1,172

Likes: 114

I took the pump out and drilled the bolt out. Is it normal for it to be kind of hard to turn the pump. It’ll spin freely, then in a certain spot, it’ll be kinda hard to turn and then spin freely again. I don’t have any noises.