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I managed to break two bolts off while trying to take the intake off my 89 F-150 5.0 and I'm wondering is the passenger side rear hole on the intake threaded? Because I've got the intake off except for that corner where half of the bolt is stuck. If it is thread, what are my options? Drill it out?
I can get to the broken bolt with vice grips if I can get the intake off, so I'd rather avoid drilling if I have to.
It's not threaded into the intake it's corroded to the intake.Steel bolts, aluminum castings and a few drops of water can create big headaches.Trying to drill the bolt out is chancey at best.Try soaking it with a good penetrant such as PB blaster and tapping the casting around the bolt with a hammer.Sometimes it works, sometimes not.If you have to drill it I'd suggest you center punch the bolt then use a 1/8" bit to drill the pilot hole.After you get a pilot hole then run a 3/16" bit, then a 1/4" bit and finish with 5/16".Before you lift the intake I'd suggest clean all the cuttings off of the engine so they don't end up in the pan.Hope this helps.
I agree with Redcat use a good penetrant I swear by a product called Kroil. Whatever you use practice patience! If you have the time a few days is not too long to wait. Keep it wet with penetrant. If your able apply heat safely do so and follow with more penetrant. A good method to remove the broken bolt is to weld a nut on whats left sticking out. Then you are able to remove it with a wrench. Drilling it out is not too bad if you are able to get at it. Again I agree with Redcat with the procedure. I have had good results using reverse bits (get high quality bits) Many times the bolt will twist out while drilling. Good Luck
Hey 88 f150, I like Kroil also but it's hard to find in my area.Welding a nut onto it is an idea I've used many times but I don't know if there is room enough to see while wearing a welding helmet.