So I started tearing down my engine today, and found out that at some point the guy before me snapped a head bolt. This is my first time personally rebuilding an engine and I am not sure how to deal with it? drill it out and use a heli-coil?



Thanks

 

A few things to try first. A great set of vice grips, a real good bite some pb blaster and a little luck.
Or try an easy out, cut or grind it down flush so you can center it.

 

If the motor is put of the car just take it to the machine shop and let them get it out...in my opinion its worth paying them to fix that problem and save me the headache!

 

It looks like this is one of the short bolts up along the valley. These are only supposed to be torqued to 22ft/lbs. Hard to imagine how prior owner broke it. Machine shop sounds like the way to go to me too, but it is not in very far or torqued down extremely tight. Might want to try to get it out first with suggestions above. I've had some luck with heat, but on cast iron parts. I would think some mild heat would help and be okay, but will leave that to others more experienced than me.

 

I'd try vice grips then if that didn't work let the machine shop deal with it. It'll be easier for them to get it out with a drill press than you trying to drill straight and centered with a drill.

 

luckily for you this is the top row of bolts. if it was the m11x1.75 bolt i dont think there is a helicoil considering this is the only place that uses that thread pitch ive ever seen

 

There are Time-Sert threaded sleeves for that (and for the other bolts).

 

Try vice grips first and see if you can muscle it out of there, if not you can try carefully drilling it out and using a easy out. If your are uncomfortable with drilling it just take it to the machine shop and have them handle it.

 

We do them all the time

 

ok thanks guys. I will try the vise grips first but I am not sure there will be enough material to grab it.

 

I would just weld a nut to it let it cool and it should come right out.
From the looks of it vice grips have already been used.