Generation III External Engine LS1 | LS6 | Bolt-Ons | Intakes | Exhaust | Ignition | Accessories
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

broken header bolt

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Sep 15, 2009 | 07:18 PM
  #1  
redws618's Avatar
Thread Starter
On The Tree
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 177
Likes: 0
From: Mesquite TX
Default broken header bolt

okay so i was changing my stock manifolds to lt headers and got to the very last bolt (passenger side) got a turn out of it and the damn bolt broke flush to the head. all i need to know is how or if i can get it out without taking the head off? tried a right angle drill but still not enough room, this is stupid but found some 2000 degree sealant to maybe seal the last part of the header, probably no good huh? please if anyone has any opinions let me know.
Reply
Old Sep 15, 2009 | 07:43 PM
  #2  
Brakemotive's Avatar
FormerVendor
iTrader: (73)
 
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,731
Likes: 0
From: Chicago
Default

When you torque a bolt down the pressure that keeps it down is stored in the head of the bolt. If you can get back there with a little punch and hammer you can likely find an uneven edge to tap counterclockwise until enough of the bolt is expose to wrench on it with pliers. You may not have enough room to do it but it works on most bolts that you can access.

Good Luck
Reply
Old Sep 15, 2009 | 08:19 PM
  #3  
redws618's Avatar
Thread Starter
On The Tree
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 177
Likes: 0
From: Mesquite TX
Thumbs down

Originally Posted by Brakemotive
When you torque a bolt down the pressure that keeps it down is stored in the head of the bolt. If you can get back there with a little punch and hammer you can likely find an uneven edge to tap counterclockwise until enough of the bolt is expose to wrench on it with pliers. You may not have enough room to do it but it works on most bolts that you can access.

Good Luck
tried it and just not enough room in there.
Reply
Old Sep 15, 2009 | 08:21 PM
  #4  
redws618's Avatar
Thread Starter
On The Tree
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 177
Likes: 0
From: Mesquite TX
Default

do you think someone could have enough room to weld a bolt head on it and just back it out? there is about 4 inches at the most.
Reply
Old Sep 15, 2009 | 09:25 PM
  #5  
jdiddyws6's Avatar
TECH Enthusiast
iTrader: (5)
 
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 641
Likes: 0
From: Long Beach MS/Birmingham AL
Default

I had it happen on the driver side back...Had a guy drill the bolt out and helicoil it. Worked perfectly!
Reply
Old Sep 15, 2009 | 09:32 PM
  #6  
redws618's Avatar
Thread Starter
On The Tree
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 177
Likes: 0
From: Mesquite TX
Default

Originally Posted by jdiddyws6
I had it happen on the driver side back...Had a guy drill the bolt out and helicoil it. Worked perfectly!
with the head off or on?
Reply
Old Sep 17, 2009 | 01:44 PM
  #7  
LS1RedZ's Avatar
12 Second Club
20 Year Member
iTrader: (19)
 
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 3,080
Likes: 1
From: Waco, TX
Default

That **** sucks man. It happened to me, but luckily it was sticking out a bit and I could get some pliers on it.
Reply
Old Sep 17, 2009 | 11:37 PM
  #8  
Prediluted's Avatar
Staging Lane
 
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 54
Likes: 0
From: New Hampshire
Default

When I did LT headers on my 94 T/a I was missing the second to last bolt, far back, on the driver's side.

What did I do? Absolutely nothing. Used plenty of RTV sealant, Mr. Gasket gaskets, and just tightened the rest down nice and tight. Couldn't get it out right then (was sunk about 1/4" into the head), and didn't have the money to pay someone else to do anything. Cash was already a little strapped when I started the project. Just did what I could with what I had...

For the next 2000 miles I had the car no issue. With the missing bolt beforehand I had no issue as well.

Though for a bolt on the very end could be a different story...
Reply
Old Sep 17, 2009 | 11:45 PM
  #9  
jdiddyws6's Avatar
TECH Enthusiast
iTrader: (5)
 
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 641
Likes: 0
From: Long Beach MS/Birmingham AL
Default

Originally Posted by redws618
with the head off or on?
Head left on
Reply
Old Sep 18, 2009 | 01:00 AM
  #10  
MikeG's Avatar
11 Second Club
iTrader: (33)
 
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,672
Likes: 0
From: Tampa, FL
Default

One of mine is broken off too. Been driving the car for probably 10k miles since it happened. GM MLS gaskets and ARH headers, so the flanges are really thick, I'm sure that helps.
Reply
Old Sep 20, 2009 | 12:29 AM
  #11  
redws618's Avatar
Thread Starter
On The Tree
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 177
Likes: 0
From: Mesquite TX
Default

well i have a buddy coming over and were gonna take the head off, i just cant get in there, not enough room. if it was in the middle i think i could get away with it but its on the end and wanna get it right, hey at least i can learn how to change a head, lol. thanks guys.
Reply
Old Sep 20, 2009 | 07:58 AM
  #12  
IWGF's Avatar
TECH Fanatic
iTrader: (6)
 
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 1,268
Likes: 0
From: Aztec, NM
Default

EZ out for the win man. Just pick up a set at the hardware store, take your time, pull it out, and replace. It's so much better just to do the job right. On my old mustang, I had ruined threads on a few bolt holes in the head and I ran headers without some bolts, they eventually warped and leaked. Just do it right, I had the same issues with my Camaro, but I took my time and did it right, and I feel much better about it now.
Reply
Old Sep 20, 2009 | 10:31 AM
  #13  
BRD-PREY's Avatar
TECH Regular
iTrader: (5)
 
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 467
Likes: 1
From: Lakeland, FL
Default

Deja Vue, I got both of mine out but mine were on the driver side.
I 'm still working on mine but thats a different story! see post "header hell"
I think if you make a jig see my post for photo, ou can come up from the bottom with a short jobber drill and a right angle drill.
Good luck!
https://ls1tech.com/forums/generatio...o-problem.html
Reply
Old Sep 20, 2009 | 08:30 PM
  #14  
redws618's Avatar
Thread Starter
On The Tree
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 177
Likes: 0
From: Mesquite TX
Default

well we got the head off and now a regular drill will not go through the bolt, tried for about 15 minutes of just drilling and got about a 32nd of an inch in it, lol can it get worse? taking it to a machinist tommorrow so they can get it out, luckily i know one, after that just get the head back on and the coolant system back right and it should be going by tuesday, a three hour project turned into a week, lol, this **** sucks!
Reply
Old Sep 25, 2009 | 08:16 PM
  #15  
kevins2000LS1's Avatar
TECH Enthusiast
iTrader: (11)
 
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 591
Likes: 0
From: Greenville,NC
Default

Were you able to get it out?
Reply
Old Sep 26, 2009 | 12:41 AM
  #16  
redws618's Avatar
Thread Starter
On The Tree
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 177
Likes: 0
From: Mesquite TX
Default

well i paid the machinist 20 bucks, all he used was a drill press, took about 20 minutes, got everything back on including the new ebay headers which imo are badass, no fitment issues, stainless steel and sound crazy with lanes true dual setup. thanks guys.
Reply
Old Sep 26, 2009 | 07:59 AM
  #17  
kevins2000LS1's Avatar
TECH Enthusiast
iTrader: (11)
 
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 591
Likes: 0
From: Greenville,NC
Default

Thats good i have the same problem now. I have a mobile welder coming out this am to see if he can get mine out. its the rear one, on the driver side. Kinda tight but i think its doable!!
Reply
Old Sep 26, 2009 | 12:05 PM
  #18  
redws618's Avatar
Thread Starter
On The Tree
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 177
Likes: 0
From: Mesquite TX
Default

the driver side has a little more room than the passenger side a mig welder it should be okay, i could have finished my complete install in about 3 to 4 hours but it turned into ten days because of that damn bolt, worth it but wish i didnt have go through it.
Reply
Old Sep 26, 2009 | 03:08 PM
  #19  
kevins2000LS1's Avatar
TECH Enthusiast
iTrader: (11)
 
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 591
Likes: 0
From: Greenville,NC
Default

Originally Posted by redws618
the driver side has a little more room than the passenger side a mig welder it should be okay, i could have finished my complete install in about 3 to 4 hours but it turned into ten days because of that damn bolt, worth it but wish i didnt have go through it.
He couldn't get mine out. SO i went ahead and pulled the head this afernoon, and going to take it to the machine shop monday am. Anyone got a link to were in can find the torque specs for reinstalling the heads and intake?
Reply




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 09:39 AM.