If you can still see the bolt and have enough to get a bite on it with
some vise-grips, here's an alternative way that works almost every time.
(1) Get a can of compressed air from your local computer store (or Radio
Shack)
(2) Warm up the bolt (lighter, torch, etc.)
(3) Flip the can of air upside down to release the propellant (super
cools the bolt and shrinks it)
(4) Get a good grip on the bolt and try to loosen it up (wiggling as
well if you can)
This has worked for us on several broken bolts (head bolts, manifold
bolts, etc.) in the past. It's not a 100% fix, but an alternative.
Don't forget to chase the threads afterwards to make sure they're clean
for the new bolt.
- Bernd
-----Original Message-----
From: owner-dakota-truck@BUFFNET.NET
[mailto:owner-dakota-truck@BUFFNET.NET] On Behalf Of Shawn Bowen
Sent: Saturday, May 26, 2001 10:12 PM
To: dakota-truck@BUFFNET.NET
Subject: DML: RE: changing thermostat, bolt snaps inside hole!!!
Drilling and retapping is one way. I would wait for others to respond
but I have gotten a stuck bolt out by drilling it with a very small bit
putting a screw in it and then backing it out (I threadlocked the screw
in). I'm sure there are better ways but this has worked for me in the
past, either way it's not a fun thing to have to do. Obviously if there
is any remaining bolt hanging out of the whole a set of vice grips and a
gentle touch could be your best friend. Good luck, don't rush this as
you could end up with a much bigger headache.
Take care,
Shawn
-----Original Message-----
From: owner-dakota-truck@BUFFNET.NET
[mailto:owner-dakota-truck@BUFFNET.NET]On Behalf Of Michael Stepka
Sent: Saturday, May 26, 2001 10:27 PM
To: dakota-truck@BUFFNET.NET
Subject: DML: changing thermostat, bolt snaps inside hole!!!
I was changing my thermostat today and the bolt snapped inside the hole.
I
don't know what to do. I can't use the truck till I fix it. Any
suggestions, do you think if I drill the bolt out I can retap it?
thanks.
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