header bolt broke

**Darkrider02** · 03-29-2011, 08:34 AM

i was installing my headers the other day, my dad was helping me and he accidentally broke the first header bolt on the passenger side, took a look at it and its inside the cylinder head what can i do to lower the exhaust leak that i have now. i know i have to drill it out but fund are a bit low right now....

**Spaz** · 03-29-2011, 08:42 AM

tap and die sets aren't expensive...

**Spaz** · 03-29-2011, 08:44 AM

Originally Posted by Spaz

tap and die sets aren't expensive...

http://www.google.com/products/catal...d=0CIIBEPMCMAM#

there...

**pajeff02** · 03-29-2011, 09:34 AM

Ouch! Only thing you could do is maybe double up the gasket or try to goop it with some high temp sealant as a temporary fix.

**Cutlass** · 03-29-2011, 06:37 PM

When you do fix it, try using a lefthand (counterclockwise spinning) drill bit. Often the bit will grab the broken bolt and spin it right out if its not too tight.

**MeGoFast** · 03-29-2011, 06:50 PM

Did the same long ago on a 69 camaro. Rented a 90degree drill and heli-coiled it. It was a pain in the ass but worked. Sounds like Dad's got some work to do and owes you 1 month car payment for your pain and suffering....

**pajeff02** · 03-29-2011, 07:00 PM

When you do fix it, the trick is to get your drill as near center as possible. Use a real sharp center punch to dimple the broken off bolt. If it is a jagged break, you can carefully level it with a small file or -- if you are real good -- a die grinder. Start with a small sharp drill bit for your initial hole. I have had luck before utilizing a small piece of wood -- like a popsicle stick, to gently apply pressure to the drill bit should it want to walk off center when you start to drill. Good luck...

**Darkrider02** · 03-30-2011, 01:25 PM

and i just realized he forgot to put the block off plate for the egr, man fathers can be real forgetfull sometimes. lol

**0rion** · 03-30-2011, 03:45 PM

yeah....I would try what these guys are suggesting first and add an easy out bit to the suggestions. Those bolts should only be torqued to 22 ft/lbs. Was it the new one he was putting in or the old he was taking out that broke? The fresher it is will help maybe come loose easier. What bolt was it? That will also determine how big of a pain it's going to be. People do get those broken bolts out though without having to drill them out so good luck. Maybe you can at least get it backed out enough to put vice grips on it.

**MrKid** · 04-05-2011, 04:21 AM

Originally Posted by Cutlass

When you do fix it, try using a lefthand (counterclockwise spinning) drill bit. Often the bit will grab the broken bolt and spin it right out if its not too tight.

+1
This is what I used on my Jeep when I broke a bolt off. I'm not sure what sort of black magic goes into these bits, but they work unbelivably well!