lifter tray bolt snapped

**98TransAmWs-6** · 12-23-2012, 02:03 PM

So I was tightening my lifter tray bolt to spec and the head snapped off and it is flush with the block now. What is the best way to remove the lifter tray bolt stud if it is stuck in the block. I can't weld and don't have access to a welder.

**cammed goat** · 12-23-2012, 02:23 PM

Try an easy-out extractor. If that doesn't work, then you're going to have to drill out the piece in the block.

***SMWS6TA*** · 12-23-2012, 03:01 PM

and I thought I was having bad issues with mine.

Good luck.

**98TransAmWs-6** · 12-23-2012, 03:41 PM

Originally Posted by cammed goat

Try an easy-out extractor. If that doesn't work, then you're going to have to drill out the piece in the block.

What size is the stud? Also if I drill it out do I need to tap the hole for new threads? On another forum someone said you don't need to do anything because the heads will hold the tray in place. That seems definitely not right to me though, otherwise they would have come without holes. It sucks because it is only one hole that is keeping me from installing the heads. I should have only done hand tight.

**cammed goat** · 12-23-2012, 07:21 PM

To be honest, I have no idea. I would suggest taking the remaining piece of the stud that isn't in the motor with you to the hardware store, get an extractor and a drill bit a size smaller than the stud so you can either extract or drill out the broken piece inside the motor so you won't need to re-thread the hole. Others will chime in here to give some help.

**98TransAmWs-6** · 12-23-2012, 08:40 PM

Originally Posted by cammed goat

To be honest, I have no idea. I would suggest taking the remaining piece of the stud that isn't in the motor with you to the hardware store, get an extractor and a drill bit a size smaller than the stud so you can either extract or drill out the broken piece inside the motor so you won't need to re-thread the hole. Others will chime in here to give some help.

Well I may need to look at my drill bits to see if I have the correct size then.

**pajeff02** · 12-24-2012, 04:54 AM

First -- block off any passages that would allow shavings to enter the block. Second -- very carefully center punch the broken off bolt. It has to be as close to center as you can possibly make it, so take your time with this and maybe get a second set of eyes on it. If it broke off smooth, punching it will be easier than a rough break. Get a small set of LEFT HAND TWIST drill bits and go at it. As you drill the hole larger, the hope is that the drill bit flutes will catch the broken off bolt and back it out of the hole. Therefore, don't drill super fast and keep some pressure on it. Be careful not to drill all the way through, mark your depth by wrapping some masking tape around the drill bit. If you drill it out to the point that it is getting somewhat close to the threads, and it still isn't out, then you'll have to try an extractor. Just don't break that off in there as you'll have hell to pay to get that out -- ask me how I know...

**98TransAmWs-6** · 12-24-2012, 10:13 AM

Originally Posted by pajeff02

First -- block off any passages that would allow shavings to enter the block. Second -- very carefully center punch the broken off bolt. It has to be as close to center as you can possibly make it, so take your time with this and maybe get a second set of eyes on it. If it broke off smooth, punching it will be easier than a rough break. Get a small set of LEFT HAND TWIST drill bits and go at it. As you drill the hole larger, the hope is that the drill bit flutes will catch the broken off bolt and back it out of the hole. Therefore, don't drill super fast and keep some pressure on it. Be careful not to drill all the way through, mark your depth by wrapping some masking tape around the drill bit. If you drill it out to the point that it is getting somewhat close to the threads, and it still isn't out, then you'll have to try an extractor. Just don't break that off in there as you'll have hell to pay to get that out -- ask me how I know...

Is a left hand twist the same as left handed bits? Also can they be used on a normal drill?

**pajeff02** · 12-24-2012, 10:57 AM

I suppose they could be called that. For left hand twist, the cutting action is counterclockwise -- as opposed to clockwise for standard drill bits. Any reversible drill will work, just be sure that it is spinning counterclockwise as you drill.