Busted timing cover bolt

[Dragojazz]

I really screwed up.

I had a major oil leak in the timing cover so I decided to remove it and put the new one in. One of the bolts broke off, not sure why, I had not even hit 18 foot pounds of torque.

I’m trying every trick in the book to get the bolt out, But nothing seems to work. I’ve spent about 50 bucks in different drillbits and extractor bolts.

I’m wondering if any of you have experienced this, and what kind of options I might have?

I know I really need to get this bolt out to do this job right, but can I get away with missing a bolt and maybe using some extra RTV?

 

[YukonGTmaster]

Get yourself a Helicoil thread repair kit. You will drill out the broken bolt gradually, while stepping up drill bit size. Then you will use the drill bit and tap in the Helicoil kit. You tap new threads, and then wind in the stainless Helicoil threaded insert. Bring one of the other bolts so that you can get the right thread size and pitch. It will be stronger than new. (The worst thing that you can do at this stage is break off an EZ out extractor in the bolt. You will never be able to drill it out. Ask me how I know.)

 

[wjburken]

I really screwed up.

I had a major oil leak in the timing cover so I decided to remove it and put the new one in. One of the bolts broke off, not sure why, I had not even hit 18 foot pounds of torque.

I’m trying every trick in the book to get the bolt out, But nothing seems to work. I’ve spent about 50 bucks in different drillbits and extractor bolts.

I’m wondering if any of you have experienced this, and what kind of options I might have?

I know I really need to get this bolt out to do this job right, but can I get away with missing a bolt and maybe using some extra RTV?

If you haven’t already, get yourself some left-handed drill bits. Start small and work your way up, trying very hard not to break a drill bit. The left-hand rotation will help extract the bolt as you drill. Be very careful to stay centered. Hopefully it will come out without damaging the threads.

This is where patience is key. Rush this and you can cause more problems.

 

[exp500]

If you already missed the center of the bolt when drilling, or just screwed up to where the hole will be bigger, visit Fastenall. They have different style inserts like a 5/16 bolt threaded to a 1/4. Might help you here.

 

[Dragojazz]

Thanks all, much appreciated.

I ended up having enough of the threads exposed to catch a bolt. The incessant drilling kind of whittled away the bolt enough that I could get a same-sized bolt locked in and that seemed to have done the trick.

I'm glad. Looks like the helicoil was the next step. Very much appreciate the help.

 

[JackFox]

I am really goo at extracting. remember that where it broke, the threads are probably stretched a little and that adds to the overall friction. But screw this... just gonna mess it up trying to extract after you have always given it effort. Use the "right stuff" 1 minute gakset. It actually takes a good 15 minutes to tack over well. But ***'s the best stuff on the market (and you will realize that with the price!) way better than even the toyota FIPG stuff that I loved before NAPA introduced me to this stuff. You can seal oil pans, wait 30 minutes, fill with oil and GO! Once tow metal parts come in contact with this stuff, oil can't change the chemistry and strip the gasket stuff away. It's soooo good!

Use it, fill right over the shallow bolt hole as well. Never think about it again!

 

[JackFox]

sorry about swearing. I type like I talk, oops!

 

[wjburken]

I am really goo at extracting. remember that where it broke, the threads are probably stretched a little and that adds to the overall friction. But screw this... just gonna mess it up trying to extract after you have always given it effort. Use the "right stuff" 1 minute gakset. It actually takes a good 15 minutes to tack over well. But ***'s the best stuff on the market (and you will realize that with the price!) way better than even the toyota FIPG stuff that I loved before NAPA introduced me to this stuff. You can seal oil pans, wait 30 minutes, fill with oil and GO! Once tow metal parts come in contact with this stuff, oil can't change the chemistry and strip the gasket stuff away. It's soooo good!

Use it, fill right over the shallow bolt hole as well. Never think about it again!

You would be hard pressed to get me to agree that some super version of Flex Seal is a good alternative to an actual bolt. What you are describing sounds like something that a shady used car dealer would do to get a car just far enough down the road to make a sale.

Yes, it can be a pain to drill out a broken bolt, but it’s not impossible. Fix it right if at all possible.