why me?
Freshman User
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
why me?
Getting all jazzed up to replace my rear main seal and like a ***%&(* I go to replace my thermostat because is was stuck and or broken. Give the two bolts a little blast of lubricant, 1st one comes out ok second one snaps like a little bitch with a little more than a 1/4 inch sticking out. Naval jelly, half a can of "break stuff loose lube" and a can of propane to heat it up. little ##### is still in there.
Any sugesstions? How much would it cost to get it fixed at a shop? God, I hate it when stuff like this happens.. Actually it's never happened to me before. Sigh.
/me wishes great and furious malice towards my Ford. Should have let the lubricant sit longer. Not the trucks fault anyway. Sorry to bitch so much. I'm really bummed right now. Take care guys.
Nate
Any sugesstions? How much would it cost to get it fixed at a shop? God, I hate it when stuff like this happens.. Actually it's never happened to me before. Sigh.
/me wishes great and furious malice towards my Ford. Should have let the lubricant sit longer. Not the trucks fault anyway. Sorry to bitch so much. I'm really bummed right now. Take care guys.
Nate
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 145
Likes: 0
why me?
Well.....You know all the hard things never happen to the mechanics at the shop, but if i were you i would just take an easy outand drill in, then when you take it back out it catches and brings the bolt out to......all this trouble happens to us do it ourselfers
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 9,987
Likes: 7
From: Memphis, TN
why me?
[updated:LAST EDITED ON 05-Jan-03 AT 06:25 PM (EST)]Why in the world would you put Naval Jelly on a broken bolt? 
I doubt it hurt, but I can't imagine how it could have helped. 
When you put it back, be SURE to use anti-seize lubricant so you never go thru the same thing again.
I doubt it hurt, but I can't imagine how it could have helped. When you put it back, be SURE to use anti-seize lubricant so you never go thru the same thing again.
Freshman User
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
why me?
I just put the naval jelly on the broken bolt because it looked completely rusted. Where can I get a easy out. this bolt was a 1/2 inch and has been slightly mauled by vicegrips. should I take a dremel and cut the end of the bolt flat to better the odds of getting the easy out centered? Also if there is not enough room to get the dremel straight lined up with the bolt should I usae one of those flex attatchments for tight spaces ? Thanks again.
Nate
Nate
More Turbo
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 508
Likes: 2
From: Easthampton, Ma.
why me?
Back in the 1960's, I had a shop teacher that used to say jobs like these seperated the men from the boys!
What do you think you should do?
Drill and re-tap the hole, maybe go to an oversize bolt?
Sell the truck cuz you can't fix it
Whine a little more online?
What do you think you should do?
Drill and re-tap the hole, maybe go to an oversize bolt?
Sell the truck cuz you can't fix it
Whine a little more online?
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 2,205
Likes: 1
From: Vancouver WA
why me?
Many years ago, my Dad was helping me change the thermostat in my '66 Mustang. It had an Offenhauser aluminum intake manifold. My Dad is one of those guys who think that if one turn is good, then two turns are better. You know the type. Yes, he stripped one of the bolt holes in the manifold. Had to drill it out and tap it to the next larger size. Also had to drill out the hole in the thermostat housing to get the larger bolt through. After that, I only asked him to help when it didn't require tightening anything.
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New User
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
why me?
Be sure when you Get an "easy-out", you get one for a 5/16" bolt and not for a 1/2" bolt. Sometimes you will also have luck with a reverse drillbit. Also keep in mind you can drill out the original hole, and install a "heli-coil".
Good Luck
Good Luck
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Freshman User
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 28
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why me?
[updated:LAST EDITED ON 06-Jan-03 AT 03:40 AM (EST)]I had the exact same thing happen to me - except BOTH bolts broke while trying to take off the cover. My brother came up with the best solution - it took a bit of work, but they came out in the end!
Get a file, and file the piece of bolt into a hex shape, slowly working it into a size that is slightly larger than an appropriate socket (in my case, it ended up by being a 1/4"). Get a thick walled socket (or have a few extra - I broke 3 cheapies before the 4th one took) and drive it onto the bolt - as you drive it on, the socket will force the bolt into the right shape (assuming that you are fairly close, and not too oversize). Using a torch, heat the casing to expand it, while putting pressure on the ratchet/socket (two people work the best for this - one to heat, one to turn the ratchet). Be careful not to strip the bolt, but with the right amount of pressure/heat, it should come free. This should work, and save the trouble of drilling/tapping/etc.
1990 5.8L Bronco XLT
Get a file, and file the piece of bolt into a hex shape, slowly working it into a size that is slightly larger than an appropriate socket (in my case, it ended up by being a 1/4"). Get a thick walled socket (or have a few extra - I broke 3 cheapies before the 4th one took) and drive it onto the bolt - as you drive it on, the socket will force the bolt into the right shape (assuming that you are fairly close, and not too oversize). Using a torch, heat the casing to expand it, while putting pressure on the ratchet/socket (two people work the best for this - one to heat, one to turn the ratchet). Be careful not to strip the bolt, but with the right amount of pressure/heat, it should come free. This should work, and save the trouble of drilling/tapping/etc.
1990 5.8L Bronco XLT
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 256
Likes: 0
From: Central Iowa
why me?
I just recently went through something similar with my valve cover bolts. I got lazy and instead of taking initiative and replacing the valve cover gaskets I thought I could get a few more days out of tightening them down just a little more as the oil leak got worse. As you might have already guessed I broke one of the bolts and it was recessed into the head. I had to drill out the bolt, tap the hole and put a helicoil in to remedy the problem. It all worked out int the end and it only took me a little over an hour to do the whole job. It is a pain in the *** when bolts break but as we shade tree mechanics know, that ##### is going to happen. So prepare yourself by using antiseized anytime you replace or remove any bolt on that truck. It will save you in the long run. Good Luck and be patient.
KJ
KJ
Freshman User
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
why me?
Actually 8 Lug I didn't feel like taking apart almost every component on the engine opening up more possibilities of drilling and oversizing just to get a straight shot to drill, that and I don't have the time to deal with all that Secondly, I am keeping it because it is a tight truck with some minor turning slightly worse problems w/ the engine. As far as the whining there is nothing worse than breaking something that causes you grief and knowing it's going to be a hassle then realizing that you can reduce the stress by going out and buying a reman. w/ a 100,000 mile warranty (which is being installed in a few days) just because I can. Don't get me wrong but I get so pissed when I do something to screw something up that gives me peace and solace to care for and maintain. Now I don't have to bust any kuckles to replace the main rear seal. Maybey some new brakes and some work on that pesky talegate. Thanks for all that helped w/ the main seal angain. I was taught if you have a question ask it. Thanks again guys!
Take care
Nate
PS- 8lug I only whine on line when I cripple my wifes ride to work and have to hear about it for hours
Take careNate
PS- 8lug I only whine on line when I cripple my wifes ride to work and have to hear about it for hours
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 110
Likes: 0
From: Lake Arthur, Louisiana
why me?
Amen Brother Nate1!!!!!!!!!! Glad to hear you found a resolution. As far as 8lug..... relax man.... just because your panties are in a bunch over something that happened to you in the day doesn't give you the right to be a smarta&& to someone who asks a question for help on this forum 
I'm like you Nate1.......... not that I don't want to go through the trouble, but on some things, my skill levels aren't up to par with some of these guys on the forums. I tackle the jobs I can handle, even try to tackle the one's I can't......... and when all else fails........... pay someone to do it for me
I'm like you Nate1.......... not that I don't want to go through the trouble, but on some things, my skill levels aren't up to par with some of these guys on the forums. I tackle the jobs I can handle, even try to tackle the one's I can't......... and when all else fails........... pay someone to do it for me
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