Author Topic: Water pump bolt snapped. (Read 3858 times)

nomad · « **on:** August 21, 2007, 01:09:16 AM »

So I have everything taken apart ready to take the head off.

I didn't need to mess with the Water pump but I did.
When I put the socket on one of the water pump bolts it popped right off. It must have already been damaged. I didn't tighten it all that much when i installed the water pump last weekend but those little bolts seem lightweight anyhow.

So now I've got to add that to my "to do list". I suppose I'll have to drill it out. Nothing like metal shavings in the coolant passages. I'll try to get them all with a magnet but we'll see how that goes.

RED IS 91 · « **Reply #1 on:** August 21, 2007, 08:10:42 AM »

yea ,those bolts are on the little side . I just snugged mine up when I did my pump .There was no easy way to get a torque wrench in there .
I guess there's no stub sticking out so you could get a pair of vise grips on the snapped bolt ?
Good Luck

nomad · « **Reply #2 on:** August 21, 2007, 08:44:49 AM »

I havent taken out the WP yet. I am hoping there is a nub.
Those bolts felt like aluminum.

I feel like just leaving it alone since there are three other points of contact it would probably be fine. But I'd kick myself if I did all this other work and that failed and caused more damage.

I hope I can get a drill into that space and drill straight.

bmwpower · « **Reply #3 on:** August 21, 2007, 09:05:13 AM »

Leave the bolt in there until you take the head off, then deal with the bolt. You're going to have to take it to a machine shop anyway, so have them remove the bolt. When I took my M30 head, they only charged me like $10 to remove one. Worth the piece of mind.

You need ALL the bolts otherwise it will leak.

bmwman91 · « **Reply #4 on:** August 21, 2007, 09:59:29 AM »

Quote from: bmwpower;32117

Leave the bolt in there until you take the head off, then deal with the bolt. You're going to have to take it to a machine shop anyway, so have them remove the bolt. When I took my M30 head, they only charged me like $10 to remove one. Worth the piece of mind.

You need ALL the bolts otherwise it will leak.

I second this. Or as they say on the internet, +1.

If you have to deal with it yourself, you can try Vise-grips, or you can get some of those Craftsman Bolt-Out dealies. They have saved my butt on a few occasions.

bmwpower · « **Reply #5 on:** August 21, 2007, 10:03:29 AM »

Quote from: bmwman91;32120

I second this. Or as they say on the internet, +1.

If you have to deal with it yourself, you can try Vise-grips, or you can get some of those Craftsman Bolt-Out dealies. They have saved my butt on a few occasions.

And if you really want to do it yourself....use HEAT. Don't try to turn it without heating the area up. Don't go too hot, it is aluminum afterall.

nomad · « **Reply #6 on:** August 21, 2007, 11:35:51 AM »

The WP is in the Block IIRC. Block is Cast Iron is it not?

bmwpower · « **Reply #7 on:** August 21, 2007, 04:19:48 PM »

Quote from: nomad;32128

The WP is in the Block IIRC. Block is Cast Iron is it not?

Water pump is on the head on the very front. Nothing is usually ever on the block...always on the head.

Mannix · « **Reply #8 on:** August 21, 2007, 05:39:32 PM »

My (unfortunately significant) experience with water pump housing bolts snapping (and _specifically_ water pump housing bolts) has led me to believe that you're likely to be able to spin it out with vise grips once you can grab it.

It seems like corrosion builds up between the bolt and the housing, which grabs the bolt shaft tight - snap! However, every time this has happened to me (6 or 7, at least), once I get the other bolts off and slide the housing off, the remaining bolt is A) sticking out pretty far - the head has always snapped off, not leaving it flush with the block/head and B) they come _right_ out. Weird.

Now, if yours snapped off flush, uggh. If it is going to a machine shop, yes, have them do it:).

Iain

nomad · « **Reply #9 on:** August 21, 2007, 06:53:48 PM »

This is the cylinder head correct?
Where is the WP?

Isn't it down here on the Block?

Or do you mean the bolt is threaded into this which is aluminum?

scottiesharpe · « **Reply #10 on:** August 21, 2007, 08:07:34 PM »

Two words:

PB Blaster. This, a propane torch, and small tap hammer work wonders on stuck bolts.

However PBB is simply amazing stuff.

bmwpower · « **Reply #11 on:** August 21, 2007, 08:18:22 PM »

Quote from: nomad;32167

This is the cylinder head correct?
Where is the WP?

Isn't it down here on the Block?

Or do you mean the bolt is threaded into this which is aluminum?

Shit. You're right. I was thinking thermostat housing. You're screwed

I haven't taken mine off yet. I guess I should since I have to replace it before the head goes back on.