Broken Water Pump bolt
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Freshman User
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 32
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Broken Water Pump bolt
I was removing the water pump on my 81 F-150. I broke one of the bolts. The bolt is protruding from the timing chain cover about 1-1/4 to 1-1/2 inches. I tried heating the surrounding area with a portable mapp gas/oxygen torch but was unable to turn the bolt. It appears to be rusted in pace rather solidly. I have used broken bolt extractors with results variring from success at first try to having to completey drill out the bolt and surrounding areas, weld up the crator and drilling and tappong a new hole.
Does anyone have any advice?
Does anyone have any advice?
Fleet Owner
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 28,609
Likes: 18
From: Lake Tahoe, Nevada
Of course start with soaking it with Liquid Wrench or PB blaster.
If you have that much bolt sticking out, I would get a really strong purchase on it with a set of vise grips. Then put steady pressure on the vise grips and hit the end of the bolt with a steel hammer. Repeat as necessary. Turn the bolt both directions until it breaks loose. Between the torque from the vise grips and the shock from the hammer that rust will eventually break up unless the bolt itself is very badly rusted.
If you have that much bolt sticking out, I would get a really strong purchase on it with a set of vise grips. Then put steady pressure on the vise grips and hit the end of the bolt with a steel hammer. Repeat as necessary. Turn the bolt both directions until it breaks loose. Between the torque from the vise grips and the shock from the hammer that rust will eventually break up unless the bolt itself is very badly rusted.
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 544
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I have had it happen before. Which bolt is it? Is it one of the bolts that goes in to the block or one of the bolts that goes in to the timing cover?
If it goes in to the timing cover you might just want to get a new timing cover.
If it goes in to the block you will have to try other means of removal. Chances are the steel bolt is seized on to the aluminum timing cover,and still free in the iron block. I had this happen about 10 years ago on a 289, and th eway I removed it, after trying everything, believe it or not, was to use a grinder to cut the timing cover off around the broken bolt and then I was able to turn the bolt out with the piece of the timing cover still on it. I don't know if you will have to go that far, but its a last resort if everything else fails
If it goes in to the timing cover you might just want to get a new timing cover.
If it goes in to the block you will have to try other means of removal. Chances are the steel bolt is seized on to the aluminum timing cover,and still free in the iron block. I had this happen about 10 years ago on a 289, and th eway I removed it, after trying everything, believe it or not, was to use a grinder to cut the timing cover off around the broken bolt and then I was able to turn the bolt out with the piece of the timing cover still on it. I don't know if you will have to go that far, but its a last resort if everything else fails
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 305
Likes: 1
Sounds kinda funny, but see if you can find a set of left-handed drill bits. They can sometimes be found at agricultural supply places. Start with a pilot hole in the smallest size & work your way up. Usually I've only used the first few bits & the bolt backs out.
Edwin
Edwin
