Posted by Marc on October 05, 2000 at 00:15:48:
In Reply to: Re: Head Bolts posted by Todd in NC on October 04, 2000 at 20:51:19:
I have removed more broken head bolts than I care to count. First, I would start with the Penetrating oil soak. Use a flashlight to look down the particular holes where the bolts are broken off. Use a centerpunch to punch a divit in which to start a drill bit. Try using a left hand drill bit. The broken bolt may, or may not come out with this alone. If not, use an extractor. You might want to get a set, or buy one which acts like a backwards screw. It will get tighter as you turn counter clockwise. If this does not work, I have found a piece of pipe with a diameter small enough to fit down the bolt hole. Slip a piece of welding rod down the pipe and weld the pipe, inside out to the broken bolt. Use a pipewrench to remove the bolt. Usually the heat from the welding process will loosen up the broken bolt. Remember leave yourself some options. Only use extreme methods when everything else doesn't work. Hope this will help a little.