My first post...Need advice...

I have a 1974 Ford F100 that I bought a few months ago that has a 1986 F-150 302 engine in it. My water pump exploded about 3 weeks ago on my way to my mother-in-law's house. It seemed like an easy enough fix, so I made up my mind to go ahead and change the alternator and power steering pump at the same time. I got the alternator & PS pump off w/ no problems. The 2nd to last water pump bolt gave me some trouble but I got it off with some ingenuity and all was great. Then I went for the last bolt that would have me up and running and then...SNAP...OS! This stud/bolt is one of the long ones that runs through the water pump, through the timing cover and, I think, through the engine block. I had the truck towed home today. I have already tried to back out the stud, but it is buried deep and I fear I am just mucking it up more. My thoughts are to take the timing cover off, but I don't know how and I am afraid it is just going to open another can of worms. From what I've learned the past few weeks, this is common in Ford engines. I have a buddy coming out to help me tomorrow but I don't know when to call it quits and take it to a shop. I've heard to use a Nut Serve or a Helicoil, but I'll still be left with part of the bolt in the block.

Has anyone else ran into this (I know you are out there), and can you let me know how you overcame it or recommend where to go from there? Spent $95 towing her home today & would hat to spend $95 again to tow it to the shop.

Thanks!

 

It's gonna depend on where it snapped; if you're lucky, it didn't snap flush with the
block, you can maybe grab the remaining with locking pliers. Obviously, you'll have
to remove the timing case cover...