broken bolts...need help

[hutch]

i noticed a small coolant leak coming from the bottom of the water pump. i tore it all apart and found that 2 bolts on the bottom that hold the water pump to the block were broken off with none of the bolt sticking out. it looks like the previous owner had put some jb weld or something over the holes to try and stop the leaking but it didn't work. the engine runs a little hot but doesnt overheat but i'd like to fix these 2 bolts so it'll can hold the proper amount of coolant. any suggestions?

 

[Capt Jay]

Drill it, heat it and pull them out with an easy out. Just be carefully when drilling down the center of the bolt as to not drill into the block. If you can get a good bite you might not have to heat it at all. Just don't break the easy out in the bolt or your screwed. Hope that helps. Also try to use the largest easy out you can so you don't end up breaking one in the hole.

 

[MAKG]

If there is JB-Weld in the hole, you can either try to drill it out or just flip it the bird and buy a new front cover from the junkyard and water pump from the parts store.

I really don't think an Easy-Out will work with epoxy (JB Weld) in there.

Be careful with heat, as aluminum will melt well before it's hot enough to glow.

 

[AllanD]

an alternative plan is to take the timing cover off and seek professional help
(a machinist) in getting the bolts removed.

honestly if you were any good at removing broken bolts you wouldn't be asking for assistance and basically a broken bolt in an aluminum casting is one of the worst situations a mechanic can face.

It is just SO EASY for the drill bit to "walk" and ruin the aluminum casting by making the new hole "off location" and frankly that can't be fixed without welding and then re-drilling the hole.

AND by the time you are done doing that another timing cover is
gonna be cheaper, a junkyard cover would be far cheaper.


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[hutch]

thanks for all the help. heres a picture of one of the bolts so u have an idea of what im working with...

i was hopin i could figure it out but i think im just gunna end up taking it to a shop. i dont wanna mess it up worse than it already is.