thunderstruck507

iTrader: (18)

A friend has a 02 ls1 with a broke head bolt. One of the long bolts broke nearly all the way down in the hole and the previous owner just put the engine back together that way.

The machine shop my friend took it to told him he couldn't get the bolt out, get a new block.

I think this sounds a little ridiculous. What do you guys think?

This might sound stupid, but would there be a way to fix it? Maybe have the hole welded up and tapped for a later short style bolt or maybe even install head studs and have that one permanently installed or something? Likely not good for a nitrous or boosted car, but a head/cam N/A one?



Reason I'm asking is because if they don't want to mess with it, I was offered the block for scrap metal price. Being a cheap 02 block it would be better for a rebuild than my 98 block if the head bolt issue can be resolved.

mark21742

I'd check with a few other shops, they someone "should" be able to get the rest of that bolt out and clean the threads in the block.....but I wouldn't leave any of it in there

joecar

Using a sleeve for guiding the drill bit, the bolt end can be drilled out, and new threads installed using the J-42385 thread tools/inserts, see attached.

Threads repaired like this using the steel thread insert are stronger than the original aluminum threads (some people replace all the threads with inserts).

thunderstruck507

iTrader: (18)

I asked and he said they tried putting a drill on the milling machine but the bolt is broken with a jagged edge so the bit would walk.

I've heard of people dropping in sockets as a guide, but if its too jagged I don't know if that would work.

I guess the price will dictate whether I want to mess with it. Seems it would need to be under $100 or so to be worth messing with since I've seen blocks sell for $150-200 around here and down in Texas where I could easily get one.

mark21742

I ended up using an iron deburring bit with the round tip to take the jagged edge off of the tap that I broke off in the hole where I drilled the broken exhaust bolt out of my father's dodge

XtraCajunSS

iTrader: (2)

This is not a difficult repair for a competent machine shop. The jagged edge can be machined flat then the bolt can be drilled out.

Shouldn't cost more than $100-$200.

Shane

OldCobraGuy

iTrader: (2)

^^^

Absolutely! Maybe you should tell us who told you to get a new block so we can avoid that place.

Did he by chance have a block for sale??

BADD SS

iTrader: (4)

^ this, although it would be $200-250 in my shop... Prices up here are a bit more...

427LS7HCI

With that head bolt being broke the entire time, did the head gasket ever leak or car overheat?

wildcamaro

iTrader: (15)

Search for the "time sert" thread on here it has some great info that would really help you out...