Header bolt broke
10-16-2003, 10:31 AM
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Header bolt broke Yeah, I guess I re-used them one too many times. I went to loosen the bastard and the head just snapped off. I figured a screw/bolt extractor, but it's a pretty tight fit under the hood. The header is off. Any bright ideas? 
10-16-2003, 11:25 PM
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Re: Header bolt broke Sounds like a job for some vice grips. Just tighten the hell out of them and they shouldn't move. If that doesn't do it then try the extractor idea.
10-17-2003, 07:08 AM
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Re: Header bolt broke If the bolt snapped coming out, then the screw driver thing won't work. Try drilling and using a back out tool. Be careful if it won't budge, stop. If you snap off the back out tool in there, your done. It is hardened and you can't drill it. Take it from experience. Your best bet is to drill out the bolt and use a tap. You will need a 90 degree drill to get in there. Good Luck...
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10-17-2003, 04:56 PM
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Re: Header bolt broke Here's one more "bright idea," MIG weld another bolt onto it then you can just turn it out with a wrench. I've seen this done and it works quite well, especially on aluminum heads because the steel weld doesn't stick to aluminum.
10-17-2003, 05:43 PM
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Re: Header bolt broke Cal's idea is the best, with the screwdriver being 2nd. Also apply as much heat as you can, and it will come out easier.
I've seen way too many easy out's broken off in heads. When that happens the head comes off.
I've seen way too many easy out's broken off in heads. When that happens the head comes off.
10-17-2003, 07:14 PM
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Re: Header bolt broke
Sounds like a job for some vice grips. Just tighten the hell out of them and they shouldn't move. If that doesn't do it then try the extractor idea.
10-17-2003, 09:13 PM
#11
Re: Header bolt broke 1) I'd say try vice grips first if there is enough sticking out to get a hold of.
2) If not, slot the bolt with a dremel and try turning it out with a screwdriver. Howerever, it may be too tight to turn with a screwdriver since the head broke off before the bolt turned.
3) So at this point get out the MIG welder and attach another bolt to it and turn out with a socket.
I wouldn't try the screw extractor or drilling it out with the head on the car, because it will be too easy to slip to one side and ruin the threads in the head.
2) If not, slot the bolt with a dremel and try turning it out with a screwdriver. Howerever, it may be too tight to turn with a screwdriver since the head broke off before the bolt turned.
3) So at this point get out the MIG welder and attach another bolt to it and turn out with a socket.
I wouldn't try the screw extractor or drilling it out with the head on the car, because it will be too easy to slip to one side and ruin the threads in the head.
10-18-2003, 09:37 AM
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Re: Header bolt broke If there is part of the bolt sticking out try the vice grips.
Trust me on two things.
1. Heat is your friend.
2. EZ outs are anything but EZ out.
Good Luck!
Trust me on two things.
1. Heat is your friend.
2. EZ outs are anything but EZ out.
Good Luck!
10-18-2003, 10:27 PM
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Re: Header bolt broke I've always used nuts where I can... You can sit it over the broken shank, then just fill the nut with weld. Try the vice grips, then weld if you have to.
10-22-2003, 07:51 AM
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Re: Header bolt broke No, the car is still suspended in the driveway. I haven't really had any time to screw with it due to a funeral and things alike. I'm planning on getting at it tomorrow. There is nowhere near enough bolt to grab it with vice grips, but I haven't looked at it enough to determine if the dremel thing will work. Either way, results will be posted by the weekend! Thanks for all the help guys.
10-22-2003, 02:20 PM
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Re: Header bolt broke
Here's one more "bright idea," MIG weld another bolt onto it then you can just turn it out with a wrench. I've seen this done and it works quite well, especially on aluminum heads because the steel weld doesn't stick to aluminum.
