Bolt extraction from engine block
Thread Starter
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Bolt extraction from engine block
Ok to start with, I've got a Dodge Ram 1500, 5.9L. I've been fighting with the seal on the thermostat head, but now I've rung off one of the mounting bolts. On top of that, I found out that the reason the seal isn't staying is I've got corrosion divots all around the contact surface.
The real problem is that I'm not a mechanic and I have no previous experience with bolt extraction. I've got the extractors, but I didn't listen to the autozone guy when he told me I needed a left-hand threaded drill bit. I've drilled the bolt piece but now it seems as hard as a diamond and I'm only 1/4" into it. The bolt is 5/8" in diameter (I think, but maybe 3/8").
Anyone know how I should proceed (btw, I don't have the money for a good mechanic). Also, how can I fix the problem with the corroded spots on the surface?
[IMG]local://upfiles/89765/DE3EBCADACBA48E5814A6C07B73393E9.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]local://upfiles/89765/1F03EB965A734718AF178F12F796D251.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]local://upfiles/89765/3B5E806BD9654F0B82858674F0314E0F.jpg[/IMG]
The real problem is that I'm not a mechanic and I have no previous experience with bolt extraction. I've got the extractors, but I didn't listen to the autozone guy when he told me I needed a left-hand threaded drill bit. I've drilled the bolt piece but now it seems as hard as a diamond and I'm only 1/4" into it. The bolt is 5/8" in diameter (I think, but maybe 3/8").
Anyone know how I should proceed (btw, I don't have the money for a good mechanic). Also, how can I fix the problem with the corroded spots on the surface?
[IMG]local://upfiles/89765/DE3EBCADACBA48E5814A6C07B73393E9.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]local://upfiles/89765/1F03EB965A734718AF178F12F796D251.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]local://upfiles/89765/3B5E806BD9654F0B82858674F0314E0F.jpg[/IMG]
Professional
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 191
Likes: 0
From: Union Grove Wi
RE: Bolt extraction from engine block
Get a small drill bit. A good one made for this apllication. dill it as square as you can. use that as your polit hole for the bigger one. Find the bit that wont damage the threads to much an drill it therest of the way out. Now you can try to tap to make new threads or you may have to use a helicoil to replace them. That would be my recomendation.
Captain
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 509
Likes: 1
From: Midlothian, IL.
RE: Bolt extraction from engine block
It looks like you have a good start. (Being that your nice and centered).
Get the right drill-bit now. Also, you probably have burn't up the bit your
using now. That's why it's so hard to remove more material with it. Use
oil or WD-40 while drilling. Keep moving up in size with your bits until you
almost get to the threads. If your nice and centered by that time you can just
use a tap to cut the rest out.
Get the right drill-bit now. Also, you probably have burn't up the bit your
using now. That's why it's so hard to remove more material with it. Use
oil or WD-40 while drilling. Keep moving up in size with your bits until you
almost get to the threads. If your nice and centered by that time you can just
use a tap to cut the rest out.
Hall Of Fame
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 12,204
Likes: 10
From: Gainesville, Ga.
RE: Bolt extraction from engine block
use small drill bit in center of broken bolt, keep oil on it. what you want to do is open up enough of a center hole to get the extractor started. fill the entire bolt hole with pb-blaster or wd-40 and let to soak overnight can't hurt either.
t-stat housing surface should be ok. clean as best you can and put rtv on sides of the gasket.
good luck, it'll come out.
t-stat housing surface should be ok. clean as best you can and put rtv on sides of the gasket.
good luck, it'll come out.
