Re: Best method for extracting bolts with broken off heads...
 

I would get a carbide bit, an AC drill and a few beers. You'll probably have
to drill a wee bit smaller than the hole. You might be able to save the
threads, but I would get a tap kit just in case.

HTH

Carl


"Arold "Al" Green" <aroldg@spamlessmchsi.com> wrote in message
news:v2nbp2p406rk6di6jp5876aj41tm0lqda5@4ax.com...
>A bit off topic, but related. I have a broken tap in a similar
> situation. Nothing to grab and a tap is so hard it will be a bitch to
> drill. Any thoughts?
> Al
>
> "Carl" <carlsaiyed@hotmailREMOVE.com> wrote:
>
>>Heat with a torch or start drilling.
>>
>>Carl
>>
>>"Clint" <cneufeld@mysocks.shaw.ca> wrote in message
>>news:SHklh.540934$R63.454264@pd7urf1no...
>>> So far, bolts 2, Clint 0...
>>>
>>> I've tried the penetrating oil, beating my fustrations on it (gently, so
>>> I
>>> don't damage anything worse), trying to grind off some flat spots for
>>> the
>>> vice grips to grab. No joy so far.
>>>
>>> Next up:
>>> Has anyone tried these Irwin devices before?
>>> http://www.irwin.com/irwin/consumer/...rwinProd100519
>>> I've tried a couple of places, but no luck finding some of the other
>>> ones
>>> mentioned. I'll do some more looking tomorrow, though.
>>>
>>> I'm concerned about trying to drill into the end of the broken off
>>> bolts,
>>> mainly because I'm not to confident in my straight-line drilling
>>> abilities
>>> (especially in metal), and the vertical support bar on the front grill
>>> is
>>> right in line with the two bolts I have to drill, so I'm not sure I'm
>>> even
>>> going to be able to get a drill in there.
>>>
>>> I haven't tried the torch heat/cool cycle yet, mainly because I'm
>>> concerned about an engine fire. I should have a fire extinguisher in
>>> the
>>> garage in any case, but I don't currently. And with penetrating and
>>> engine oil all over the place...
>>>
>>> Thanks for all the helpful advice so far.
>>>
>>> Clint
>>>
>>> "Clint" <cneufeld@mysocks.shaw.ca> wrote in message
>>> news:UJCkh.535564$R63.397938@pd7urf1no...
>>>> So I'm elbows-deep in pulling out my radiator and water pump from my
>>>> '88
>>>> Jeep Comanche (4.0l, if that matters), and as I figured was likely, two
>>>> bolt heads broke off. I've got pictures, if you care to see
>>>> (http://members.shaw.ca/cneufeld/Imag...ck005Small.jpg). They're
>>>> broken off just under the head, so there's about 1/2" of threaded
>>>> material to grab, assuming that doesn't break off.
>>>>
>>>> What's the best method you've found to deal with these? Do any of them
>>>> work better than others? If I've got to drill a hole in them, how do
>>>> you
>>>> get the hole started with an uneven surface like the broken off head?
>>>> Center-punch? That'll be fun to get in there with a hammer...
>>>>
>>>> So far, I figure I'm about 3 hours into the job, and I've got all the
>>>> old
>>>> parts out. The old water pump actually looks like it's in good shaped
>>>> (vanes all there, looking pretty new), but it was leaking. There was
>>>> no
>>>> sign of anything other than the paper gasket; should I be using the RTV
>>>> gasket gunk as well? Somehow, I've got to get into the block heater
>>>> and
>>>> replace it as well. At least with the water pump out, I can see in
>>>> there
>>>> a bit.
>>>>
>>>> Clint
>>>
>>
> __
> Arold "Al" Green

Re: Best method for extracting bolts with broken off heads...
 

I would get a carbide bit, an AC drill and a few beers. You'll probably have
to drill a wee bit smaller than the hole. You might be able to save the
threads, but I would get a tap kit just in case.

HTH

Carl


"Arold "Al" Green" <aroldg@spamlessmchsi.com> wrote in message
news:v2nbp2p406rk6di6jp5876aj41tm0lqda5@4ax.com...
>A bit off topic, but related. I have a broken tap in a similar
> situation. Nothing to grab and a tap is so hard it will be a bitch to
> drill. Any thoughts?
> Al
>
> "Carl" <carlsaiyed@hotmailREMOVE.com> wrote:
>
>>Heat with a torch or start drilling.
>>
>>Carl
>>
>>"Clint" <cneufeld@mysocks.shaw.ca> wrote in message
>>news:SHklh.540934$R63.454264@pd7urf1no...
>>> So far, bolts 2, Clint 0...
>>>
>>> I've tried the penetrating oil, beating my fustrations on it (gently, so
>>> I
>>> don't damage anything worse), trying to grind off some flat spots for
>>> the
>>> vice grips to grab. No joy so far.
>>>
>>> Next up:
>>> Has anyone tried these Irwin devices before?
>>> http://www.irwin.com/irwin/consumer/...rwinProd100519
>>> I've tried a couple of places, but no luck finding some of the other
>>> ones
>>> mentioned. I'll do some more looking tomorrow, though.
>>>
>>> I'm concerned about trying to drill into the end of the broken off
>>> bolts,
>>> mainly because I'm not to confident in my straight-line drilling
>>> abilities
>>> (especially in metal), and the vertical support bar on the front grill
>>> is
>>> right in line with the two bolts I have to drill, so I'm not sure I'm
>>> even
>>> going to be able to get a drill in there.
>>>
>>> I haven't tried the torch heat/cool cycle yet, mainly because I'm
>>> concerned about an engine fire. I should have a fire extinguisher in
>>> the
>>> garage in any case, but I don't currently. And with penetrating and
>>> engine oil all over the place...
>>>
>>> Thanks for all the helpful advice so far.
>>>
>>> Clint
>>>
>>> "Clint" <cneufeld@mysocks.shaw.ca> wrote in message
>>> news:UJCkh.535564$R63.397938@pd7urf1no...
>>>> So I'm elbows-deep in pulling out my radiator and water pump from my
>>>> '88
>>>> Jeep Comanche (4.0l, if that matters), and as I figured was likely, two
>>>> bolt heads broke off. I've got pictures, if you care to see
>>>> (http://members.shaw.ca/cneufeld/Imag...ck005Small.jpg). They're
>>>> broken off just under the head, so there's about 1/2" of threaded
>>>> material to grab, assuming that doesn't break off.
>>>>
>>>> What's the best method you've found to deal with these? Do any of them
>>>> work better than others? If I've got to drill a hole in them, how do
>>>> you
>>>> get the hole started with an uneven surface like the broken off head?
>>>> Center-punch? That'll be fun to get in there with a hammer...
>>>>
>>>> So far, I figure I'm about 3 hours into the job, and I've got all the
>>>> old
>>>> parts out. The old water pump actually looks like it's in good shaped
>>>> (vanes all there, looking pretty new), but it was leaking. There was
>>>> no
>>>> sign of anything other than the paper gasket; should I be using the RTV
>>>> gasket gunk as well? Somehow, I've got to get into the block heater
>>>> and
>>>> replace it as well. At least with the water pump out, I can see in
>>>> there
>>>> a bit.
>>>>
>>>> Clint
>>>
>>
> __
> Arold "Al" Green

Re: Best method for extracting bolts with broken off heads...
 

I would get a carbide bit, an AC drill and a few beers. You'll probably have
to drill a wee bit smaller than the hole. You might be able to save the
threads, but I would get a tap kit just in case.

HTH

Carl


"Arold "Al" Green" <aroldg@spamlessmchsi.com> wrote in message
news:v2nbp2p406rk6di6jp5876aj41tm0lqda5@4ax.com...
>A bit off topic, but related. I have a broken tap in a similar
> situation. Nothing to grab and a tap is so hard it will be a bitch to
> drill. Any thoughts?
> Al
>
> "Carl" <carlsaiyed@hotmailREMOVE.com> wrote:
>
>>Heat with a torch or start drilling.
>>
>>Carl
>>
>>"Clint" <cneufeld@mysocks.shaw.ca> wrote in message
>>news:SHklh.540934$R63.454264@pd7urf1no...
>>> So far, bolts 2, Clint 0...
>>>
>>> I've tried the penetrating oil, beating my fustrations on it (gently, so
>>> I
>>> don't damage anything worse), trying to grind off some flat spots for
>>> the
>>> vice grips to grab. No joy so far.
>>>
>>> Next up:
>>> Has anyone tried these Irwin devices before?
>>> http://www.irwin.com/irwin/consumer/...rwinProd100519
>>> I've tried a couple of places, but no luck finding some of the other
>>> ones
>>> mentioned. I'll do some more looking tomorrow, though.
>>>
>>> I'm concerned about trying to drill into the end of the broken off
>>> bolts,
>>> mainly because I'm not to confident in my straight-line drilling
>>> abilities
>>> (especially in metal), and the vertical support bar on the front grill
>>> is
>>> right in line with the two bolts I have to drill, so I'm not sure I'm
>>> even
>>> going to be able to get a drill in there.
>>>
>>> I haven't tried the torch heat/cool cycle yet, mainly because I'm
>>> concerned about an engine fire. I should have a fire extinguisher in
>>> the
>>> garage in any case, but I don't currently. And with penetrating and
>>> engine oil all over the place...
>>>
>>> Thanks for all the helpful advice so far.
>>>
>>> Clint
>>>
>>> "Clint" <cneufeld@mysocks.shaw.ca> wrote in message
>>> news:UJCkh.535564$R63.397938@pd7urf1no...
>>>> So I'm elbows-deep in pulling out my radiator and water pump from my
>>>> '88
>>>> Jeep Comanche (4.0l, if that matters), and as I figured was likely, two
>>>> bolt heads broke off. I've got pictures, if you care to see
>>>> (http://members.shaw.ca/cneufeld/Imag...ck005Small.jpg). They're
>>>> broken off just under the head, so there's about 1/2" of threaded
>>>> material to grab, assuming that doesn't break off.
>>>>
>>>> What's the best method you've found to deal with these? Do any of them
>>>> work better than others? If I've got to drill a hole in them, how do
>>>> you
>>>> get the hole started with an uneven surface like the broken off head?
>>>> Center-punch? That'll be fun to get in there with a hammer...
>>>>
>>>> So far, I figure I'm about 3 hours into the job, and I've got all the
>>>> old
>>>> parts out. The old water pump actually looks like it's in good shaped
>>>> (vanes all there, looking pretty new), but it was leaking. There was
>>>> no
>>>> sign of anything other than the paper gasket; should I be using the RTV
>>>> gasket gunk as well? Somehow, I've got to get into the block heater
>>>> and
>>>> replace it as well. At least with the water pump out, I can see in
>>>> there
>>>> a bit.
>>>>
>>>> Clint
>>>
>>
> __
> Arold "Al" Green

Re: Best method for extracting bolts with broken off heads...
 

Thanks. :) I'll grab a torch and extinguisher tomorrow.

Clint

"Carl" <carlsaiyed@hotmailREMOVE.com> wrote in message
news:TcidnTB1WqttRAjYnZ2dnUVZ_ompnZ2d@comcast.com. ..
> Heat with a torch or start drilling.
>
> Carl
>
> "Clint" <cneufeld@mysocks.shaw.ca> wrote in message
> news:SHklh.540934$R63.454264@pd7urf1no...
>> So far, bolts 2, Clint 0...
>>
>> I've tried the penetrating oil, beating my fustrations on it (gently, so
>> I don't damage anything worse), trying to grind off some flat spots for
>> the vice grips to grab. No joy so far.
>>
>> Next up:
>> Has anyone tried these Irwin devices before?
>> http://www.irwin.com/irwin/consumer/...rwinProd100519
>> I've tried a couple of places, but no luck finding some of the other ones
>> mentioned. I'll do some more looking tomorrow, though.
>>
>> I'm concerned about trying to drill into the end of the broken off bolts,
>> mainly because I'm not to confident in my straight-line drilling
>> abilities (especially in metal), and the vertical support bar on the
>> front grill is right in line with the two bolts I have to drill, so I'm
>> not sure I'm even going to be able to get a drill in there.
>>
>> I haven't tried the torch heat/cool cycle yet, mainly because I'm
>> concerned about an engine fire. I should have a fire extinguisher in the
>> garage in any case, but I don't currently. And with penetrating and
>> engine oil all over the place...
>>
>> Thanks for all the helpful advice so far.
>>
>> Clint
>>
>> "Clint" <cneufeld@mysocks.shaw.ca> wrote in message
>> news:UJCkh.535564$R63.397938@pd7urf1no...
>>> So I'm elbows-deep in pulling out my radiator and water pump from my '88
>>> Jeep Comanche (4.0l, if that matters), and as I figured was likely, two
>>> bolt heads broke off. I've got pictures, if you care to see
>>> (http://members.shaw.ca/cneufeld/Imag...ck005Small.jpg). They're
>>> broken off just under the head, so there's about 1/2" of threaded
>>> material to grab, assuming that doesn't break off.
>>>
>>> What's the best method you've found to deal with these? Do any of them
>>> work better than others? If I've got to drill a hole in them, how do
>>> you get the hole started with an uneven surface like the broken off
>>> head? Center-punch? That'll be fun to get in there with a hammer...
>>>
>>> So far, I figure I'm about 3 hours into the job, and I've got all the
>>> old parts out. The old water pump actually looks like it's in good
>>> shaped (vanes all there, looking pretty new), but it was leaking. There
>>> was no sign of anything other than the paper gasket; should I be using
>>> the RTV gasket gunk as well? Somehow, I've got to get into the block
>>> heater and replace it as well. At least with the water pump out, I can
>>> see in there a bit.
>>>
>>> Clint
>>
>
>

Re: Best method for extracting bolts with broken off heads...
 

Thanks. :) I'll grab a torch and extinguisher tomorrow.

Clint

"Carl" <carlsaiyed@hotmailREMOVE.com> wrote in message
news:TcidnTB1WqttRAjYnZ2dnUVZ_ompnZ2d@comcast.com. ..
> Heat with a torch or start drilling.
>
> Carl
>
> "Clint" <cneufeld@mysocks.shaw.ca> wrote in message
> news:SHklh.540934$R63.454264@pd7urf1no...
>> So far, bolts 2, Clint 0...
>>
>> I've tried the penetrating oil, beating my fustrations on it (gently, so
>> I don't damage anything worse), trying to grind off some flat spots for
>> the vice grips to grab. No joy so far.
>>
>> Next up:
>> Has anyone tried these Irwin devices before?
>> http://www.irwin.com/irwin/consumer/...rwinProd100519
>> I've tried a couple of places, but no luck finding some of the other ones
>> mentioned. I'll do some more looking tomorrow, though.
>>
>> I'm concerned about trying to drill into the end of the broken off bolts,
>> mainly because I'm not to confident in my straight-line drilling
>> abilities (especially in metal), and the vertical support bar on the
>> front grill is right in line with the two bolts I have to drill, so I'm
>> not sure I'm even going to be able to get a drill in there.
>>
>> I haven't tried the torch heat/cool cycle yet, mainly because I'm
>> concerned about an engine fire. I should have a fire extinguisher in the
>> garage in any case, but I don't currently. And with penetrating and
>> engine oil all over the place...
>>
>> Thanks for all the helpful advice so far.
>>
>> Clint
>>
>> "Clint" <cneufeld@mysocks.shaw.ca> wrote in message
>> news:UJCkh.535564$R63.397938@pd7urf1no...
>>> So I'm elbows-deep in pulling out my radiator and water pump from my '88
>>> Jeep Comanche (4.0l, if that matters), and as I figured was likely, two
>>> bolt heads broke off. I've got pictures, if you care to see
>>> (http://members.shaw.ca/cneufeld/Imag...ck005Small.jpg). They're
>>> broken off just under the head, so there's about 1/2" of threaded
>>> material to grab, assuming that doesn't break off.
>>>
>>> What's the best method you've found to deal with these? Do any of them
>>> work better than others? If I've got to drill a hole in them, how do
>>> you get the hole started with an uneven surface like the broken off
>>> head? Center-punch? That'll be fun to get in there with a hammer...
>>>
>>> So far, I figure I'm about 3 hours into the job, and I've got all the
>>> old parts out. The old water pump actually looks like it's in good
>>> shaped (vanes all there, looking pretty new), but it was leaking. There
>>> was no sign of anything other than the paper gasket; should I be using
>>> the RTV gasket gunk as well? Somehow, I've got to get into the block
>>> heater and replace it as well. At least with the water pump out, I can
>>> see in there a bit.
>>>
>>> Clint
>>
>
>

Re: Best method for extracting bolts with broken off heads...
 

Thanks. :) I'll grab a torch and extinguisher tomorrow.

Clint

"Carl" <carlsaiyed@hotmailREMOVE.com> wrote in message
news:TcidnTB1WqttRAjYnZ2dnUVZ_ompnZ2d@comcast.com. ..
> Heat with a torch or start drilling.
>
> Carl
>
> "Clint" <cneufeld@mysocks.shaw.ca> wrote in message
> news:SHklh.540934$R63.454264@pd7urf1no...
>> So far, bolts 2, Clint 0...
>>
>> I've tried the penetrating oil, beating my fustrations on it (gently, so
>> I don't damage anything worse), trying to grind off some flat spots for
>> the vice grips to grab. No joy so far.
>>
>> Next up:
>> Has anyone tried these Irwin devices before?
>> http://www.irwin.com/irwin/consumer/...rwinProd100519
>> I've tried a couple of places, but no luck finding some of the other ones
>> mentioned. I'll do some more looking tomorrow, though.
>>
>> I'm concerned about trying to drill into the end of the broken off bolts,
>> mainly because I'm not to confident in my straight-line drilling
>> abilities (especially in metal), and the vertical support bar on the
>> front grill is right in line with the two bolts I have to drill, so I'm
>> not sure I'm even going to be able to get a drill in there.
>>
>> I haven't tried the torch heat/cool cycle yet, mainly because I'm
>> concerned about an engine fire. I should have a fire extinguisher in the
>> garage in any case, but I don't currently. And with penetrating and
>> engine oil all over the place...
>>
>> Thanks for all the helpful advice so far.
>>
>> Clint
>>
>> "Clint" <cneufeld@mysocks.shaw.ca> wrote in message
>> news:UJCkh.535564$R63.397938@pd7urf1no...
>>> So I'm elbows-deep in pulling out my radiator and water pump from my '88
>>> Jeep Comanche (4.0l, if that matters), and as I figured was likely, two
>>> bolt heads broke off. I've got pictures, if you care to see
>>> (http://members.shaw.ca/cneufeld/Imag...ck005Small.jpg). They're
>>> broken off just under the head, so there's about 1/2" of threaded
>>> material to grab, assuming that doesn't break off.
>>>
>>> What's the best method you've found to deal with these? Do any of them
>>> work better than others? If I've got to drill a hole in them, how do
>>> you get the hole started with an uneven surface like the broken off
>>> head? Center-punch? That'll be fun to get in there with a hammer...
>>>
>>> So far, I figure I'm about 3 hours into the job, and I've got all the
>>> old parts out. The old water pump actually looks like it's in good
>>> shaped (vanes all there, looking pretty new), but it was leaking. There
>>> was no sign of anything other than the paper gasket; should I be using
>>> the RTV gasket gunk as well? Somehow, I've got to get into the block
>>> heater and replace it as well. At least with the water pump out, I can
>>> see in there a bit.
>>>
>>> Clint
>>
>
>

Re: Best method for extracting bolts with broken off heads...
 

FWIW, get a left handed drill bit, and drill in reverse. Sometimes it will
back out after some drilling, and you can try heating the surface.

Carl


"Arold "Al" Green" <aroldg@spamlessmchsi.com> wrote in message
news:v2nbp2p406rk6di6jp5876aj41tm0lqda5@4ax.com...
>A bit off topic, but related. I have a broken tap in a similar
> situation. Nothing to grab and a tap is so hard it will be a bitch to
> drill. Any thoughts?
> Al
>
> "Carl" <carlsaiyed@hotmailREMOVE.com> wrote:
>
>>Heat with a torch or start drilling.
>>
>>Carl
>>
>>"Clint" <cneufeld@mysocks.shaw.ca> wrote in message
>>news:SHklh.540934$R63.454264@pd7urf1no...
>>> So far, bolts 2, Clint 0...
>>>
>>> I've tried the penetrating oil, beating my fustrations on it (gently, so
>>> I
>>> don't damage anything worse), trying to grind off some flat spots for
>>> the
>>> vice grips to grab. No joy so far.
>>>
>>> Next up:
>>> Has anyone tried these Irwin devices before?
>>> http://www.irwin.com/irwin/consumer/...rwinProd100519
>>> I've tried a couple of places, but no luck finding some of the other
>>> ones
>>> mentioned. I'll do some more looking tomorrow, though.
>>>
>>> I'm concerned about trying to drill into the end of the broken off
>>> bolts,
>>> mainly because I'm not to confident in my straight-line drilling
>>> abilities
>>> (especially in metal), and the vertical support bar on the front grill
>>> is
>>> right in line with the two bolts I have to drill, so I'm not sure I'm
>>> even
>>> going to be able to get a drill in there.
>>>
>>> I haven't tried the torch heat/cool cycle yet, mainly because I'm
>>> concerned about an engine fire. I should have a fire extinguisher in
>>> the
>>> garage in any case, but I don't currently. And with penetrating and
>>> engine oil all over the place...
>>>
>>> Thanks for all the helpful advice so far.
>>>
>>> Clint
>>>
>>> "Clint" <cneufeld@mysocks.shaw.ca> wrote in message
>>> news:UJCkh.535564$R63.397938@pd7urf1no...
>>>> So I'm elbows-deep in pulling out my radiator and water pump from my
>>>> '88
>>>> Jeep Comanche (4.0l, if that matters), and as I figured was likely, two
>>>> bolt heads broke off. I've got pictures, if you care to see
>>>> (http://members.shaw.ca/cneufeld/Imag...ck005Small.jpg). They're
>>>> broken off just under the head, so there's about 1/2" of threaded
>>>> material to grab, assuming that doesn't break off.
>>>>
>>>> What's the best method you've found to deal with these? Do any of them
>>>> work better than others? If I've got to drill a hole in them, how do
>>>> you
>>>> get the hole started with an uneven surface like the broken off head?
>>>> Center-punch? That'll be fun to get in there with a hammer...
>>>>
>>>> So far, I figure I'm about 3 hours into the job, and I've got all the
>>>> old
>>>> parts out. The old water pump actually looks like it's in good shaped
>>>> (vanes all there, looking pretty new), but it was leaking. There was
>>>> no
>>>> sign of anything other than the paper gasket; should I be using the RTV
>>>> gasket gunk as well? Somehow, I've got to get into the block heater
>>>> and
>>>> replace it as well. At least with the water pump out, I can see in
>>>> there
>>>> a bit.
>>>>
>>>> Clint
>>>
>>
> __
> Arold "Al" Green

Re: Best method for extracting bolts with broken off heads...
 

FWIW, get a left handed drill bit, and drill in reverse. Sometimes it will
back out after some drilling, and you can try heating the surface.

Carl


"Arold "Al" Green" <aroldg@spamlessmchsi.com> wrote in message
news:v2nbp2p406rk6di6jp5876aj41tm0lqda5@4ax.com...
>A bit off topic, but related. I have a broken tap in a similar
> situation. Nothing to grab and a tap is so hard it will be a bitch to
> drill. Any thoughts?
> Al
>
> "Carl" <carlsaiyed@hotmailREMOVE.com> wrote:
>
>>Heat with a torch or start drilling.
>>
>>Carl
>>
>>"Clint" <cneufeld@mysocks.shaw.ca> wrote in message
>>news:SHklh.540934$R63.454264@pd7urf1no...
>>> So far, bolts 2, Clint 0...
>>>
>>> I've tried the penetrating oil, beating my fustrations on it (gently, so
>>> I
>>> don't damage anything worse), trying to grind off some flat spots for
>>> the
>>> vice grips to grab. No joy so far.
>>>
>>> Next up:
>>> Has anyone tried these Irwin devices before?
>>> http://www.irwin.com/irwin/consumer/...rwinProd100519
>>> I've tried a couple of places, but no luck finding some of the other
>>> ones
>>> mentioned. I'll do some more looking tomorrow, though.
>>>
>>> I'm concerned about trying to drill into the end of the broken off
>>> bolts,
>>> mainly because I'm not to confident in my straight-line drilling
>>> abilities
>>> (especially in metal), and the vertical support bar on the front grill
>>> is
>>> right in line with the two bolts I have to drill, so I'm not sure I'm
>>> even
>>> going to be able to get a drill in there.
>>>
>>> I haven't tried the torch heat/cool cycle yet, mainly because I'm
>>> concerned about an engine fire. I should have a fire extinguisher in
>>> the
>>> garage in any case, but I don't currently. And with penetrating and
>>> engine oil all over the place...
>>>
>>> Thanks for all the helpful advice so far.
>>>
>>> Clint
>>>
>>> "Clint" <cneufeld@mysocks.shaw.ca> wrote in message
>>> news:UJCkh.535564$R63.397938@pd7urf1no...
>>>> So I'm elbows-deep in pulling out my radiator and water pump from my
>>>> '88
>>>> Jeep Comanche (4.0l, if that matters), and as I figured was likely, two
>>>> bolt heads broke off. I've got pictures, if you care to see
>>>> (http://members.shaw.ca/cneufeld/Imag...ck005Small.jpg). They're
>>>> broken off just under the head, so there's about 1/2" of threaded
>>>> material to grab, assuming that doesn't break off.
>>>>
>>>> What's the best method you've found to deal with these? Do any of them
>>>> work better than others? If I've got to drill a hole in them, how do
>>>> you
>>>> get the hole started with an uneven surface like the broken off head?
>>>> Center-punch? That'll be fun to get in there with a hammer...
>>>>
>>>> So far, I figure I'm about 3 hours into the job, and I've got all the
>>>> old
>>>> parts out. The old water pump actually looks like it's in good shaped
>>>> (vanes all there, looking pretty new), but it was leaking. There was
>>>> no
>>>> sign of anything other than the paper gasket; should I be using the RTV
>>>> gasket gunk as well? Somehow, I've got to get into the block heater
>>>> and
>>>> replace it as well. At least with the water pump out, I can see in
>>>> there
>>>> a bit.
>>>>
>>>> Clint
>>>
>>
> __
> Arold "Al" Green

Re: Best method for extracting bolts with broken off heads...
 

FWIW, get a left handed drill bit, and drill in reverse. Sometimes it will
back out after some drilling, and you can try heating the surface.

Carl


"Arold "Al" Green" <aroldg@spamlessmchsi.com> wrote in message
news:v2nbp2p406rk6di6jp5876aj41tm0lqda5@4ax.com...
>A bit off topic, but related. I have a broken tap in a similar
> situation. Nothing to grab and a tap is so hard it will be a bitch to
> drill. Any thoughts?
> Al
>
> "Carl" <carlsaiyed@hotmailREMOVE.com> wrote:
>
>>Heat with a torch or start drilling.
>>
>>Carl
>>
>>"Clint" <cneufeld@mysocks.shaw.ca> wrote in message
>>news:SHklh.540934$R63.454264@pd7urf1no...
>>> So far, bolts 2, Clint 0...
>>>
>>> I've tried the penetrating oil, beating my fustrations on it (gently, so
>>> I
>>> don't damage anything worse), trying to grind off some flat spots for
>>> the
>>> vice grips to grab. No joy so far.
>>>
>>> Next up:
>>> Has anyone tried these Irwin devices before?
>>> http://www.irwin.com/irwin/consumer/...rwinProd100519
>>> I've tried a couple of places, but no luck finding some of the other
>>> ones
>>> mentioned. I'll do some more looking tomorrow, though.
>>>
>>> I'm concerned about trying to drill into the end of the broken off
>>> bolts,
>>> mainly because I'm not to confident in my straight-line drilling
>>> abilities
>>> (especially in metal), and the vertical support bar on the front grill
>>> is
>>> right in line with the two bolts I have to drill, so I'm not sure I'm
>>> even
>>> going to be able to get a drill in there.
>>>
>>> I haven't tried the torch heat/cool cycle yet, mainly because I'm
>>> concerned about an engine fire. I should have a fire extinguisher in
>>> the
>>> garage in any case, but I don't currently. And with penetrating and
>>> engine oil all over the place...
>>>
>>> Thanks for all the helpful advice so far.
>>>
>>> Clint
>>>
>>> "Clint" <cneufeld@mysocks.shaw.ca> wrote in message
>>> news:UJCkh.535564$R63.397938@pd7urf1no...
>>>> So I'm elbows-deep in pulling out my radiator and water pump from my
>>>> '88
>>>> Jeep Comanche (4.0l, if that matters), and as I figured was likely, two
>>>> bolt heads broke off. I've got pictures, if you care to see
>>>> (http://members.shaw.ca/cneufeld/Imag...ck005Small.jpg). They're
>>>> broken off just under the head, so there's about 1/2" of threaded
>>>> material to grab, assuming that doesn't break off.
>>>>
>>>> What's the best method you've found to deal with these? Do any of them
>>>> work better than others? If I've got to drill a hole in them, how do
>>>> you
>>>> get the hole started with an uneven surface like the broken off head?
>>>> Center-punch? That'll be fun to get in there with a hammer...
>>>>
>>>> So far, I figure I'm about 3 hours into the job, and I've got all the
>>>> old
>>>> parts out. The old water pump actually looks like it's in good shaped
>>>> (vanes all there, looking pretty new), but it was leaking. There was
>>>> no
>>>> sign of anything other than the paper gasket; should I be using the RTV
>>>> gasket gunk as well? Somehow, I've got to get into the block heater
>>>> and
>>>> replace it as well. At least with the water pump out, I can see in
>>>> there
>>>> a bit.
>>>>
>>>> Clint
>>>
>>
> __
> Arold "Al" Green

Re: Best method for extracting bolts with broken off heads...
 

Wash the motor down first. I find that the penetrating oil on the bolts
burns quickly without too much flame, but I wouldn't want to chance all the
grease on the motor. At the very least, wipe it all down and clean it up
with Brakleen.

Let us know how it goes.

Carl


"Clint" <cneufeld@mysocks.shaw.ca> wrote in message
news:7allh.531339$1T2.463294@pd7urf2no...
> Thanks. :) I'll grab a torch and extinguisher tomorrow.
>
> Clint
>
> "Carl" <carlsaiyed@hotmailREMOVE.com> wrote in message
> news:TcidnTB1WqttRAjYnZ2dnUVZ_ompnZ2d@comcast.com. ..
>> Heat with a torch or start drilling.
>>
>> Carl
>>
>> "Clint" <cneufeld@mysocks.shaw.ca> wrote in message
>> news:SHklh.540934$R63.454264@pd7urf1no...
>>> So far, bolts 2, Clint 0...
>>>
>>> I've tried the penetrating oil, beating my fustrations on it (gently, so
>>> I don't damage anything worse), trying to grind off some flat spots for
>>> the vice grips to grab. No joy so far.
>>>
>>> Next up:
>>> Has anyone tried these Irwin devices before?
>>> http://www.irwin.com/irwin/consumer/...rwinProd100519
>>> I've tried a couple of places, but no luck finding some of the other
>>> ones mentioned. I'll do some more looking tomorrow, though.
>>>
>>> I'm concerned about trying to drill into the end of the broken off
>>> bolts, mainly because I'm not to confident in my straight-line drilling
>>> abilities (especially in metal), and the vertical support bar on the
>>> front grill is right in line with the two bolts I have to drill, so I'm
>>> not sure I'm even going to be able to get a drill in there.
>>>
>>> I haven't tried the torch heat/cool cycle yet, mainly because I'm
>>> concerned about an engine fire. I should have a fire extinguisher in
>>> the garage in any case, but I don't currently. And with penetrating and
>>> engine oil all over the place...
>>>
>>> Thanks for all the helpful advice so far.
>>>
>>> Clint
>>>
>>> "Clint" <cneufeld@mysocks.shaw.ca> wrote in message
>>> news:UJCkh.535564$R63.397938@pd7urf1no...
>>>> So I'm elbows-deep in pulling out my radiator and water pump from my
>>>> '88 Jeep Comanche (4.0l, if that matters), and as I figured was likely,
>>>> two bolt heads broke off. I've got pictures, if you care to see
>>>> (http://members.shaw.ca/cneufeld/Imag...ck005Small.jpg). They're
>>>> broken off just under the head, so there's about 1/2" of threaded
>>>> material to grab, assuming that doesn't break off.
>>>>
>>>> What's the best method you've found to deal with these? Do any of them
>>>> work better than others? If I've got to drill a hole in them, how do
>>>> you get the hole started with an uneven surface like the broken off
>>>> head? Center-punch? That'll be fun to get in there with a hammer...
>>>>
>>>> So far, I figure I'm about 3 hours into the job, and I've got all the
>>>> old parts out. The old water pump actually looks like it's in good
>>>> shaped (vanes all there, looking pretty new), but it was leaking.
>>>> There was no sign of anything other than the paper gasket; should I be
>>>> using the RTV gasket gunk as well? Somehow, I've got to get into the
>>>> block heater and replace it as well. At least with the water pump out,
>>>> I can see in there a bit.
>>>>
>>>> Clint
>>>
>>
>>
>