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Thermostat bolt broken

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Old 04-11-2012, 09:39 PM
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mech_engr
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Default Thermostat bolt broken

I overtorqued the lower tstat bolt and managed to shear it off when removing it. There is a portion of the bolt left in the housing that is sticking out, probably about 1/8". If tried to remove it with vice grips and a punch & hammer, after pb blaster was applied. Still haven't removed it. I may try and easy out next. Does anyone have any other suggestions to remove this?
Old 04-11-2012, 09:42 PM
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Paul 75 L82
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Pull the water pump and then you can drill it out.
Old 04-11-2012, 11:22 PM
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Jeff in Den
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I'd try the easy out if you have enough room to drill.
Old 04-11-2012, 11:29 PM
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printmanjackson
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I would just replace the water pump. You can get a new one at any auto parts store.
Old 04-12-2012, 01:03 AM
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lionelhutz
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Heat
Old 04-12-2012, 09:13 AM
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machz800ps
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Originally Posted by lionelhutz
Heat
Good advise, heat the housing around the bolt just before you begin to use the easyout

Steve
Old 04-12-2012, 09:30 AM
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Originally Posted by lionelhutz
Heat


Aluminum will expand more than the steel bolt when heat is applied.
Old 04-12-2012, 10:00 AM
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johnson-rod
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Heat, PB Blaster, new Vice Grips, time and patience.
Old 04-12-2012, 01:03 PM
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lionelhutz
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I would weld a nut on it before drilling since there is a little stub still sticking out. The welding also heats it and helps loosen it.
Old 04-12-2012, 01:38 PM
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printmanjackson
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you can get a brand new water pump for $140.

I just checked Advanced Auto and they have a new one for $120. Swap it out and be done with it.

Last edited by printmanjackson; 04-12-2012 at 01:44 PM.
Old 04-13-2012, 08:44 AM
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Originally Posted by printmanjackson
you can get a brand new water pump for $140.

I just checked Advanced Auto and they have a new one for $120. Swap it out and be done with it.
Why replace that pump so soon? With a little time and patience, the broken bolt can be extracted.

To me, it seems like an easy challenge to keep $120 or more in your pocket.
Old 05-06-2012, 11:27 AM
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Jimmyz28
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I did exactly this yesterday. What did you end up doing to solve the problem?
Old 05-06-2012, 12:14 PM
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DARRYLZO6
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A1 Cardon water pump. Rock Auto under $90,also at
Rock Auto, Bosch OEM replacement water pump $110 if this the route you decide to go.
Old 05-06-2012, 09:23 PM
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mech_engr
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Originally Posted by Jimmyz28
I did exactly this yesterday. What did you end up doing to solve the problem?
The broken screw was completely swaged in there and I couldn't get it out with the tools I had so I just bought a new water pump. I tried pb blaster, vice grips, pin and hammer, welding a nut (i'm a beginner welder) once I pulled the pump. The new water pump was $110 off amazon. Good luck.
Old 05-07-2012, 02:47 AM
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Jesse Asis
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If your mileage is around 50k to 65k, just replace the water pump. The effort to drill and tap will take more time and money. If your around the mileage I've stated, you will have to replace it anyway, it is very easy to replace the water pump on a LS1. I even posted a trick to help hold the gasket in place in the forum (General).. Put a rubber band on all three of the bolts and install the gasket on, the screws spread out and hold the gasket in place just prior to bolting it up to the block.. I know it will make sence when your doing it.

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