Prypiat

Attempting to replace water pump when the alternator bolt snapped. I knew it was coming and kept applying PB blaster every 1/8 rotation but the bolt still failed after backing out maybe 3/8 of an inch. Soaked both sides in PB blaster for 12 hours and got to it with a big pair of vise grips and still nothing. It just took the threads off.



I went ahead and bought some Bolt-Outs and I'm guessing I will get the torch out tonight as a last alternative. How careful do I need to be with the torch? Any other suggestions? Not looking forward to this thing breaking off where it will have to be drilled out. I imagine the engine will have to be removed if it snaps again.

Emeraldbomber

Is there enough thread to put 2 nuts onto it or is it stripped out badly? If so put the first nut down and finger tighten it, then put the 2nd nut on and tighten it snug. Then startn looseing the first nut. If the heads broken off this will thread the whole bolt through. Works for me every time. If you cant thread nuts on it then youll have to drill it.

Lizardslap

If I were you I would keep a fire extinguisher handy or a hose with all that grease around if your gonna torch it

but If you get it hot you can probably take vice grips and get it out

Prypiat

I considered MIGing the bolt head back on.. The amount of force required to turn this thing was absolutely insane. Well over 150 ft*lbs as it took my body weight plus some more on my large 1/2" ratchet before the thing finally snapped. I seriously don't understand why this thing is being so stubborn.

Emeraldbomber

All of mine were a pain in the *** too.

98civdx

Torch it and try again.

Next time try a better penetrating oil such as Areokroil. It's kind of pricey, but it blows PBlaster away.


It's either going to break, or come out. Good luck.

strategy400

Get a clean wire brush and some acetone and thoroughly clean the portion that is still protruding. Get a nut that will thread on or a slightly larger nut (SAE if necessary) and JB Weld it on there. Wait a day. Put a socket on and remove it.
You may want to put a paper washer (make one) on there first so the JB Weld won't adhere to the block. You might want to dremel some shallow slots in the protruding part to let the epoxy really grab hold of it.
A torque wrench may prevent future fastener trouble, although I suspect getting one on that bolt might be a challenge. Sometimes you have to tighten it to 2 grunts with a wrench. 3 grunts might be too much for that bolt. One grunt is sufficient on an oil filter.

Prypiat

Jesus. Effing. Christ.



I torched the hell out of this thing. Had the edges of the engine red hot. The clean portion you see there isn't from me wiping it off.. The grease was cooked off. Still Nothing. All it did was take more material off the bolt. Going to JB weld a nut on tonight and maybe I will have better luck tomorrow. Ordered some aero-kroil but it won't be here until next week..

Prypiat

Well, I had to sledge this nut on the remainder of that bolt. I covered the threads with JB weld and made sure none got where it shouldn't be.



I may try to pick up some Kroil tomorrow at lunch.. but I doubt I will be able to fine any locally..

gzes

Get a welder n weld a bolt on. I did this for my body lift and it worked perfect for me. Dont jb weld. its gonna fall off

Prypiat

If the jb weld fails I have access to a mig welder. Easier to jb weld than to borrow my buddies welder.

dirty19

iTrader: (1)

Wow this one is super stubborn.
Keep us posted

98civdx

Damn, that doesn't want to come out.

Prypiat

Evil mechanic of the past must have put retaining compound on it or something.. Never seen a bolt hold on for dear life so desperately. Going to get the 90 degree drill from work tomorrow just in case. This may end up being a through-hole in the end..

98civdx

I've seen it once, on my civic.

The bolt holding the tensioner for the AC. I had it red hot prying on it with a ratchet and cheaper pipe. I ended up cutting the bolt off.

Emeraldbomber

Im actually extremely interested in this thread. Keep us updated!

jbpnoman

That stuff's only good to about 500 degrees. If he had the edges of the motor red hot, it was well past that.

gzes

I used car batteries to weld bro. Use the welder and get it out. so much easier........ 3 car.batteries in series and jumper cables to weld. One to ground and the other to weld with 1/8 rod i believe

gzes

I and go left and right so it breaks up and lets loose or your gonna keep on popping pff the head

EsotericImage

iTrader: (8)

I hate it when a simple job turns into a nightmare like this.. good luck to ya

grumblemarc

iTrader: (4)

Make sure you aren't turning the wrong direction. Seen it happen.

Emeraldbomber

Lol ^

deschlong

iTrader: (8)

Did the alt bolt protrude through the other side originally with its thread exposed? I've seen really filthy threads lead to this kind of problem before (though this does seem extreme). Basically the grime on the thread gets jammed up more and more, eventually preventing any progress at all ... and then bolt snaps.

Also is that aluminum it's bolted into? Usually those come out like butter (sorry ... don't mean to make you feel worse, OP ... we all sypmathize!!)

Also #2: Another vote for Kroil here ... I swear by it (though tough to find in Canada). Also #3: When dealing with stubborn bolts remember always to back off, then tighten again, back off, tighten again ... ad nauseum.

Nbboy7

iTrader: (5)

I want to see the out come of this.

mikercp

THIS ^ lol