broken valve cover bolt

[rasczak]

these damn things are thinner than my dick estimating 4-6mm in width. Are there extractor kits that could pull this sucker out?

anyone got experience pulling one of these out from the engine block?

yes. i am an idiot. i overtightened instead of loosened. broke 3 bolts before i realized something was wrong.

 

[JulesMaximus]

4-6mm you say? :awe:

I've had good luck removing a stripped screw off an old motorcycle engine using this method:

http://www.wikihow.com/Remove-a-Broken-Bolt

Make sure you soak it with penetrating oil first. You can buy extractor bits at any auto parts store or hardware store.

 

[Eureka]

Can you get at it from the other side? On my Miata it goes through the valve cover and through the flange on the other side.

Also, buy a 1/4" torque wrench from harbor frieght for $10. It'll save your ass when putting it back on.

 

[JCH13]

I have had remarkable luck with this 'Grabit' screw extractor on small broken bolts and screws. They aren't fantastic for rusted-on bolts (nothing is) but ones that were over-torqued like yours should be no problem. Even the drill is left-handed, so some times the drill catches and just runs the screw out. Magic.

 

[rasczak]

thanks guys i'llcheck it out. i just purchased a bit but im having problems drilling the pilot hole since the surface of the bolt isnt level.

wait a pain.

 

[JulesMaximus]

thanks guys i'llcheck it out. i just purchased a bit but im having problems drilling the pilot hole since the surface of the bolt isnt level.

wait a pain.

Try using a punch to make a punchmark in the bolt so the drill bit will not wander around.

 

[rasczak]

i ended up tapping them out little by little counterclock wise. i got all but the one i started drilling out. ironic isn't it?

 

[JCH13]

Try using a punch to make a punchmark in the bolt so the drill bit will not wander around.

This helps, especially if you start with a small drill.

thanks guys i'llcheck it out. i just purchased a bit but im having problems drilling the pilot hole since the surface of the bolt isnt level.

wait a pain.

The bits I showed use a split-point center and tend not to wander around at all.

 

[LTC8K6]

Are they high enough to cut a slot with a Dremel?

 

[rasczak]

i got all but one out. it comes out today.

 

[rasczak]

got all the bolts out. now the question is can i purchase these bolts at home depot or do i need to purchase from an auto parts store or can igo to home depot?

 

[herm0016]

i would go to an autoparts store or a local hardware.

 

[EagleKeeper]

got all the bolts out. now the question is can i purchase these bolts at home depot or do i need to purchase from an auto parts store or can igo to home depot?

Take a bolt and see if your local hardware store can match the threads/diameter and length

 

[AKACyrano]

Also be sure to get the right grade of replacement bolt or better.

 

[rasczak]

turns out the rubber flange on the bolt doesn't come off. ordered a few from the mazda shop. they come in tuesday. $21.00 lesson learned.

 

[JCH13]

What car?

Did you check out http://parts.arlingtonmazda.com/ ?

 

[rasczak]

2003 mazda6s. I just got the studs in today, i'm going to clean the front valve cover, then work on the rear. hopefully, this is it. i'll know more by the weekend if any more codes go off.

I checked the compression on all three front cylinders and was between 160 to 180.

i'm going to run the comp. test on the back three this weekend, hopefully, no blow-by in any of the back three. i've notcied that the car drinks antifreeze like it's gatorade but not seeing any antifreeze in the oil.

 

[JCH13]

2003 mazda6s. I just got the studs in today, i'm going to clean the front valve cover, then work on the rear. hopefully, this is it. i'll know more by the weekend if any more codes go off.

I checked the compression on all three front cylinders and was between 160 to 180.

i'm going to run the comp. test on the back three this weekend, hopefully, no blow-by in any of the back three. i've notcied that the car drinks antifreeze like it's gatorade but not seeing any antifreeze in the oil.

Check for leaks in the overflow/reservoir plumbing.

https://www.belmetric.com/ has automotive style fasteners for cheep, and they're good quality I've found. For future purchases.