Hey all!

When I was installing a new thermostat, the worst happened. The bolt on the lower left corner of the thermostat housing cover snapped going back in. So I pulled the thermostat housing cover off again, and the remains of the bolt are sticking out of the thermostat housing about a 1/4 - 1/2". Because of the angle, I can't get an easy out or drill squarely lined up. All attempts at using a pair of pliers as failed as well.

I really don't want to take the whole housing out, and was hopinh someone might have a sugegestion or two.

Thanks!

 

Have you tried needle nosed vice grips?
HTH
Andy K

 

Sweet idea. Off to the store!

 

Okay, that isn't working either. Slapped some lubircant on it that is supposed to help with rusted items. We'll have to see tomorrow.

 

How about some light heat applied to the bolt. I use an acetalyene torch some times on stubborn steel bolts. Just becareful. Sal

 

If you can still get at the bolt put a pair of vise grips on it and try to tighten the bolt a little first then loosen, keep alternating this until it is out (hopefully).

 

Thanks guys. I will give Tresamore's idea a shot again this evening. My only other thought was use use a dremel and bit to drill out the old bolt. I have done this on some license plate bolts before, but hesitant to try it here. Or, perhaps use the dremel and a wire wheel to heat the bolt as Reno suggested.

 

If heat is going to work, shouldn't it be applied to the housing first and perhaps only??

 

Honestly don't know. I remember using a torch on a set of lug nuts attached to a bus tire, but I don't rememeber if the emphasis was on heating the lug nuts or the wheel. I am guessing the housing would be what you would want to heat. Thermal expansion would, in theory, cause the bolt to be more firmly stuck. But, that expansion and contraction of the bolt might free it whatever is causing it to stick in the first place.

 

If you can't get it out, have it EDM burned out at a machine shop.

 

Autozone has thread repair kits and broken bolt removal kits. Prices are between 20-30 dollars.

The bolt removal kit uses a special reversed thread drill bit (special tip). Drill it into the broken bolt then back it out.

Hopefully you have enough room for the drill - 5/16 bit I beleive.

 

That is the "Easy out" kit, correct?

 

Cobey,
If you have a friend who welds, and you can get to it, disconnect the battery and have him tack an extension onto the remainder of the bolt. Then remove with a wrench.

 

You can get a variety of right angle attachments for your drill. Gizmo fits into your drill chuck and gives you ability to drill at right angles to the centerline of your drill.

Good Luck!

Jim 1987 944S <img border="0" alt="[typing]" title="" src="graemlins/yltype.gif" />

 

Cobey,
Go here <a href="http://www.mcmaster.com/and" target="_blank">http://www.mcmaster.com/and</a> use their search box with the keywords 'easy out'. They have 2 pages of handy little grabbers...hopefully something that will solve your current dilemma. LOL