broken header bolt in the head!!!

[HarleyFordFan]

i got a broken header bolt in the head.... how can i fix it? i am getting ready to put in my equal length shorties but need to fix it first. what are the steps? how difficult?

 

[golfnutjetsfan]

If there is still some of the stud sticking out tool manufacturers make a set of sockets that have a left hand knurl inside of them that will bite onto the stud as you attempt to remove them. I bought mine from a drivearound tool dealer but I believe you can find something similar in Sears or a good hardware store. If the stud is broken off flush than you will have to drill a small pilot hole and try an easy out, ( a small drill bit sized tool that has the left hand knurls on the outside of the shaft). I'll add you to my prayers tonight.
Frank

 

[88stangmangt]

good luck with that one

 

[HarleyFordFan]

cool i will try an easy out! thanx guys!

 

[Matts89LX5.0]

tool companies make stud removers...if not try vice grips to get it out if its sticking out

 

[TheUser]

before you drill your pilot hole...GET A GOOD QUALITY BIT. It seems like common sense, but the bit must be harder than the bolt. Let the bit cool off a little too because they get hot quick and heat makes them weaker. Also..be sure and not move the drill around much if at all...does it sound like maybe i've broken a bit off in a bolt doing this same thing recently? Yep, I did and it wasn't a lot of fun. Good luck...also, if tha doesn't work, you could maybe try to jb weld onto it or something and twist it out. I had to pull my intake and a machine shop welded on to the bolt and pulled it out.

 

[HarleyFordFan]

thanx for the suggestions everyone. i got to go buy my new header bolts and header gasket, and go put the new ones on...hopefully!

 

[whitemustang89]

you can try to take a another smaller longer bolt and tack weld it on to the other one and then turn it out as normal

 

[HarleyFordFan]

i am just really weary of welding near the head bolt holes, only because if i mess up its finished for me and that hole.

 

[88stangmangt]

not ttrue i would use a roto zip with a metal cuting bit and and cut a slit in it and use a screw driver to back it off. dont hit the thread hole.

 

[HarleyFordFan]

not ttrue i would use a roto zip with a metal cuting bit and and cut a slit in it and use a screw driver to back it off. dont hit the thread hole.

hmmm good idea! i never thought of that! would ythat realistically work?

 

[Michael Yount]

If there's enough sticking out you can sometimes Dremel a slot in it, and then get a flat blade screw driver into it. But depending on how/why it broke off, it could come right out as easily as grabbing it with a pair of pliers, or it could be as bad as having to remove the head and take it to a machine shop. Good luck.

 

[HarleyFordFan]

a friend of mine was tightening the bolt and the head just sheared off before it was fully tightened.