Broken Water Pump Bolt

Former Member

Fallon, NV - USA

Joined: 7/25/2007

Posts: 43

Vette(s): 1978 Coupe, Red w/black leather interior, L48, Auto, A/C, Power Windows, Cruise, Tilt/Tele.

Thanks David. A friend loaned me a whole set of reverse drill bits today. So I have regular bits, reverse, punches, easy outs, and as Joel suggested various punches, a big hammer and everything else that should do the job, one way or the other.

The only thing missing is time....and that will come this weekend. The plan is to just blast some good music and drill away in no particular hurry. Afterall, I have all winter to get it fixed before spring cruising! Not really, too many other little things that need to get done on it.

Ernie

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Broken Water Pump Bolt

Posted: 9/26/07 7:25pmMessage 12 of 25

eddie20875

Lifetime Member

Lanoka Harbor, NJ - USA

Joined: 12/21/2006

Posts: 2191

Vette(s): 1975 metallic blue coupe with t-tops,L48, t/t steering, black leather interior. 1990 L98, white/red leather interior, auto,a/c

one other thing. i (hate to admit it) had a ford bronco. had to change water pump and one of the bolts broke. where it was kind of a pain to get to plus it was a long bolt and didn't want to chance drilling too far. what i wound up doing was to helicoil it. i cut a bolt down to the right length and it held perfectly.

LIFETIME MEMBER #97
THE DYNAMIC DUO

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Broken Water Pump Bolt

Posted: 9/27/07 6:23pmMessage 13 of 25

Former Member

Fallon, NV - USA

Joined: 7/25/2007

Posts: 43

Vette(s): 1978 Coupe, Red w/black leather interior, L48, Auto, A/C, Power Windows, Cruise, Tilt/Tele.

The helicoil is a great option if it gets down to it. I have absolutely no reservations about doing that. Our machinist at work had just suggested that to me as well. Thanks for the good idea.

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Broken Water Pump Bolt

Posted: 9/28/07 8:32amMessage 14 of 25

my7t1

Lifetime Member

Dorr, MI - USA

Joined: 8/21/2002

Posts: 2581

Vette(s): 71 Colonnade Hardtop Coupe Torch Red with black interior originally L48 built to push around 360hp

This may not be possible, but depending on if your clear of flammable parts a good hot torch will help break the bolt loose. I've even welded a tit on the stud and turned it with vise grips. Being at the surface of the block or up inside that may not be possible. As the guy's said be real careful not to break an easy out up in there. Been there. REAL UGLY!! You can do it!!! Terry

Click on images for Before and After pics!

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Broken Water Pump Bolt

Posted: 9/28/07 7:32pmMessage 15 of 25

Former Member

Fallon, NV - USA

Joined: 7/25/2007

Posts: 43

Vette(s): 1978 Coupe, Red w/black leather interior, L48, Auto, A/C, Power Windows, Cruise, Tilt/Tele.

I'm going to get started on it tomorrow AM with an arsenal of stuff to try. I am going to be especially careful with the easy out since I don't want to break that off. Although, I've been telling the better half that if I can't get this bolt out I'll have to get a ZZ4. I don't think she's buying it though.

Thanks for the tip.

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Broken Water Pump Bolt

Posted: 9/28/07 7:36pmMessage 16 of 25

Okie Dude

Lifetime Member

Eastern Oklahoma County, OK - USA

Joined: 1/3/2006

Posts: 1560

Vette(s): 1980 Black L48 T-Tops

I broke an ezout off in my aluminum (factory L-82) intake on the water neck bolt. They don't come out of aluminum without a BIG mess.

Good Luck!

Relax, have a homebrew and don't get in a hurry!!!

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Broken Water Pump Bolt

Posted: 9/29/07 11:37amMessage 17 of 25

Former Member