Help!! How do I get a sheared bolt out??

[Daggle]

Finally got round to getting under Hoobs and having a poke about as to what damage I did on the way back from Ashford Diner at the beginning of the month when the fanbelt went...

 

What do I find but the alternator/bracket that is normally held in by 2 bolts to the block is being held in by one, no problems I tell myself I will just get a new bolt and whack it in. Nope, one of the bolts nearest the rad has sheared off inside the block, I can screw another bolt in, but only 2 or 3 turns before I hit the old broken bolt, I can't get a drill in there to drill out the old bolt, what can I do??

 

Having a look at it, it seems to me to be the only option left is to take the engine out in order to get to the bolt hole, any advice from anyone would be helpful, its a 1600 x-flow.....

[Trevmk3]

do you know anyone with a small angle drill, that will be easier to get into with. good luck mate, its a bastard when that happens

[Fiesta Steve]

I've had the exact same problem with my crossflow alternator braket.

 

I too thought that i'd have to take the engine out.

 

I removed the braket and alternator completely so I could get at it and found that it just turned out my spinning it with an old screwdriver. As the head had sheard off the was no clamping forces so it was loose.

 

Its just a thought m8, it worked for me.

 

Both off mine had sheared so replaced them with some 12.9 H/D bolts so it doesn't happen again.

 

Good luck

[Twinkle]

if the scredriver doesnt work try a torx bit hammered into the bolt

[Stu_B]

I sheared off the bolts that clamp the engine mount to the side of my crossflow!! I borrow a flexi drill attachment from a mate & a tap & dye (sp) set!! still a bugger to get to with the flexi bit but a lot easier than getting an engine out!!

[Daggle]

Ok I will give some of those a try, gonna be a git to get a hammer in there though, bloody old cars.... and my ST170 has broken down last night as well, one of the fuel control modules gone bent

[Trevmk3]

use the works car daggle

[Twinkle]

you could always take the engine out and make me an offer for a nice twin cam m8

[ScotsDave]

If the above tricks don't work.......

 

Get a friendly garage (probably need to be a small independant) to build up weld on the broken bolt using a MIG until it's proud of the block then weld a nut onto the weld - leave to cool a bit then it should come out. We used this loads of times on things like manifold flanges etc. It sometimes takes a couple of times but we've never been defeated yet! Just be cafeful you don't weld the threads up or you will be knackered

[erick]

Use a Cobalt Drill & Easy Out kit they work quite well.

[Daggle]

Thanks for all your help, let you know which one worked, oh and Twink, don't tempt me mate

[Rick]

i had to drill a couple of mine and then use a tap and die to get the rest out. the easy out wouldnt touch it.

 

that welding idea seems a good en tho