Broke my water pump bolt. Now what? (Update - broken bolt is out)

Super-Cuda said

Here's a trick I used.

Cut a slot in the bolt end using a dremel tool.

Then, you will need a flat screwdriver bit that you can use in a ratchet.

Soak the bolt end in penetrating oil overnight .

Use your propane torch to heat up the bolt and get it as hot as you can.

Use the ratchet with the flat bit inserted in the slot you made in the bolt and try moving it back and forth. Do not try to back it all the way out, just work it back and forth until it really loosens up.

Then, soak ii in penetrating fluid again.

Should back out if you take your time.

Click to expand...

Several say here to heat the bolt. I say no. You heat the surrounding area, to expand the locking threads. Most of the time the reason a bolt breaks here is because the shoulder of the bolt is locked into corrosion from the pump or timing cover. I agree with the other options of removal but would like to add one more, if other ways do not work. Set a spacer on you drill bit to go as deep as the pump or cover, less 3/8 of an inch. That should remove the area of the corroded parts. Then you should be able to use vice grips to remove the rest of the bolt from the block. I always use a anti-seize in this application on the shoulder of the bolts.