Hello guru's I need help!

I broke a bolt while removing my water pump on a 88' F150 5.8L auto. It is the one below the hose that goes to the thermostat housing. It looks like this bolt goes all the way into the block, passing through what looks like a timing chain cover or spacer?

Can anyone give me any suggestions on what my next step should be?

It looks like there are 4 bolts remaining to this timing chain cover/spacer that will have to be removed in order to get to the block and broken bolt.

Please help I need this truck running Monday morning.

Thanks
Bill

 

WD40, a drill bit and an Easy-Out might be your only hope. However, you might be able to remove the water pump and see if there is still some part of the bolt that sticks out past the surface enough to where you can get a set of vise-grips around it to back it out.

 

Thanks for the reply Blurry,

The water pump is out.

I can not see what is left of the bolt because of this spacer or timing chain cover that is between the water pump mount and the block.

I guess my question is what is this "spacer or cover" and how difficult is it to remove?

I think once I can get to the broken bolt it should not be a problem.

Bill

 

its been a while since i messed with a ford motor but if i remeber correct to get the timing case cover off you need to first remove the harmonic balancer then loosen up the front bolts on the oil pump to get it out. If you post the size of the motor i may be able to get a pic of it and give ya better advice

 

Thanks Ranger,

I'ts a 5.8L.
Looking at it does not look like I should have to remove the harmonic balancer, however; I have not taken a look from undeneath. I will go take a look.

Bill

 

balancer has to come off and you should losen off the oil pan bolts too that will make it easier when you put the timing chain cover back on

 

Thanks for the reply's

Looks like this is turning into an all day'er, I'll get some shut eye and tackle it in the morning

 

Make sure you buy some PB blaster for your rust-busting agent. I have been using this stuff and am amazed how much better my rusty nuts and bolts are coming out!!
Also, if you take the balancer off, make sure you use the correct puller and installer, the balancer looks sturdy enuf but can be damaged, and set you back one day and 100 bucks. Good Luck

 

Thanks for the tips.

I'm getting ready to do the job. I have a couple of questions.

Will the auto parts store have replacment bolts for the water pump?

Can anyone guide me through exactly how to remove the harmonic balancer? I have never removed one and do not want to cause any more damage.

Also the truck has 96k on the clock. Do you guys recomend replacing the timing chain?

Again, Thanks for all your suggestions. FTE rules

 

You will need a tool to remove the balancer. To remove it you must first remove all of the pulleys and what not that are in the way. Then remove the 15/16 bolt from the center of the balancer. I think the socket size is 15/16.

The tool should have a bridge type piece with openings or slots in it and a thread shaft with a nut style end on it. It will have a center piece that is place in the center of the balancer where the bolt came out of. This prevents you from damaging the threads when you remove the balancer. Now bolt the bridge type piece down using two of the bolt holes for the pulley. Once you have this piece bolted down you just tighten the center shaft down and it will pull the balancer off. Do not try to remove it with a hammer!

To remove the timing cover finishing removing all of the bolts. Don't forget to remove the four bolts coming from up under the oil pan. Be careful when pulling the cover off. I would guess the bolt that broke is also going to be stuck in the cover as well. Take care when removing it. If the bolt broke of in the cover and not flush with the block surface then you may have better chance of removing since you can grab it or have something to hold on to.

I would replace the front timing cover seal since your in it this far and you may want to take a look at the timing chain as well. This would be the best time to replace it. You will get a new seal with the gasket kit anyway. Put a little oil on the seal before you reinstall the balancer.

 

The tool for removing the balancer is usually a 20 dollar kit you can find anywhere. I bought mine at Sears for 20 bucks. I think it is called Harmonic balancer/Steering wheel removal kit. Unfortunately the bolts that are supposed to hold the removal tool to the balancer didn't come in my kit, I had to supply my own. The few typpes of bolt sets they give you may or may not fit your pulleys.

You want to press the balancer back on with an install tool. Do not hammer it back. The install tool might be harder to find. I know that Pep Boys, and Autozone sell a set Balancer installer tools for 30 or 40 bucks., you can also rent them with the option to keep. The idea is pay the full amount for the rental tool, then use it and return the tool in good condition to receive a full refund.

I think you have to pull your radiator out to use these tools.

Unless you have been abusing the engine do not worry about a timing chain with 96K. Of course if it is a timing belt, you are overdue. Chains are great!

 

You can rent both the puller and the install tool from autozone for free. You don't really need the install tool though. You can use the bolt and the washer that hold the damper on to reinstall it. Make sure not to use a claw type puller, as you will pull the balancer apart.

I would replace the timing chain while you have the cover off. It beats having to tear into it again. Get a timing set with new gears and chain, not just the chain. Timing sets are only about $20-30 bucks, so it's almost a no-brainer. They also make a gasket kit with all the gaskets you will need to put the timing cover and water pump back on, including a front oil seal.

 

if the timing chain has any sideways slop ,replace it, go to autozone and look at a new one,inorder to get a an ideal of the differance, also look at the tensioner if it has one, a tiny bit can make a huge differace, mileage & performace, plus if you are going to keep this truck for awhile, it might be worth it while your there, i got 250,000miles before replacing mine, made the engine run like new

 

listen to espncsu2006, its good advice,

 

There is no tensioner on a ford small block motor.