03 Ram 4.7 top water pump bolt broke off while removing water pump PLEASE HELP!!!!
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From: Casa Grande, AZ
03 Ram 4.7 top water pump bolt broke off while removing water pump PLEASE HELP!!!!
I have a 2003 Dodge Ram 1500 Quad cab 4X4 with 190K miles. The truck ran and drove like new until water pump started making a grinding noise. I also could feel a little play in the fan so I decided to replace the water pump this weekend. I drained the coolant, removed the serpentine belt and loosened the water pump bolts. Normal water pump change right? Not so lucky...... 7 of the water pump bolts loosened with no problem, but the last one at the top of the water pump that goes through the aluminum timing cover into the engine case was fighting from the start. I tried to loosen it slowly a ¼ turn at a time with oil. I managed to turn the bolt about ¼ to ½ of an inch before the head of the bolt broke off. Since it was the last bolt I slid the water pump off and there is about 1/4” to ½ an inch of the threads coming out of the timing cover.
I have changed a transmission or an engine here and there but I have never had a bolt break off like this. I really need some professional advice on what to do? I have never had to wrench on my Ram and I am hesitant to move forward (timing cover) without some advice. I thank you all ahead of time!!!
I have searched the Internet and found many other people who have had this problem but most of them were Fords, GM's or Imports. They mentioned using different techniques: easy outs/reverse drill bits, torching the block, vise gripping the threads etc. but none of these were mentioned on a dodge engine. I am hesitant to drill into bolt which goes through the timing cover without an expert (that knows this engine and the timing cover or the effects of drilling material in the hole??) I also am not sure about using a vise grip ( the bolt was froze-which is why the head broke off!!) or do anything without advice from someone who has been through this and knows the 4.7 engine.
Also, does anyone know how long the bolt is? Between the head that snapped and the ¼ inch sticking out of the timing cover I have the bolt about 1 inch out.
If anyone knows what it takes to remove the timing cover let me know. I really hate to think about doing that. I am really hoping for a tech or master mechanic that knows this engine in and out.
I hope this thread will help any other users who might have this problem.
Thank you very ahead of time for your answers and experience!
Bryan
I have changed a transmission or an engine here and there but I have never had a bolt break off like this. I really need some professional advice on what to do? I have never had to wrench on my Ram and I am hesitant to move forward (timing cover) without some advice. I thank you all ahead of time!!!
I have searched the Internet and found many other people who have had this problem but most of them were Fords, GM's or Imports. They mentioned using different techniques: easy outs/reverse drill bits, torching the block, vise gripping the threads etc. but none of these were mentioned on a dodge engine. I am hesitant to drill into bolt which goes through the timing cover without an expert (that knows this engine and the timing cover or the effects of drilling material in the hole??) I also am not sure about using a vise grip ( the bolt was froze-which is why the head broke off!!) or do anything without advice from someone who has been through this and knows the 4.7 engine.
Also, does anyone know how long the bolt is? Between the head that snapped and the ¼ inch sticking out of the timing cover I have the bolt about 1 inch out.
If anyone knows what it takes to remove the timing cover let me know. I really hate to think about doing that. I am really hoping for a tech or master mechanic that knows this engine in and out.
I hope this thread will help any other users who might have this problem.
Thank you very ahead of time for your answers and experience!
Bryan
