I was replacing the thermostat of eclipse 91, then I broke the bolt, how can I take it off.?

Question

The head of the bolt got broken, I was using a vice to turn it but it wont turn.

Answer 1

First tap the head with a hammer, and spray WD40 or other around the area of the bolt, let sit. Can also heat the area around the bolt with a portable torch and then take Vice Grips to the bolt and see twist to the right and to the left slowly, until it moves. If it breaks, going to have drill the stud out, and install a insert in, this is the last resort.

Answer 2

lube bolt and reverse the roataion working backwards and forwards,it works most of the time.if not drill out the old bolt and retap hole.if hole is damaged us a helicoil....................get a pro

Answer 3

take a grabber bit (extractor) and drill into then switch it around and it unscrews 50% of the time. you can buy it at most automotive store and walmart.

Answer 4

go to the parts store and tell them you need the bit that removes broken bolts.  it almost looks like a drill bit.

Answer 5

I'm assuming you have two studs holding the thermostat housing on.  What you will have to do when you get everything free and clear is drill out the bolt you broke off and put new threads into that area.

Answer 6

OK,

You've hit one of the many obstacles in working on older cars.  The corrosion between the bolt and the block/cylinder has essentially welded the pieces together.  If you have the thermostat housing off you probably have a small piece of bolt sticking out.  The preferable way to do this is to soak it heavily in something called PB Blaster, if you can let it soak overnight.  Once it has soaked then take a pair of vice grips and try to work it out.  I recommend trying to tighten it a little and then backing it out.  If you cannot get it to move you will need to cut the bolt flush and get to the next step of drilling out the bolt.  You need to get a center punch and hit it right in the center of the bolt.....then work through progressively larger drill bits until you have removed most of the bolt material.  If you are luck the pieces will fall out, if that is not the case you may need to drill everything out and start over with a Heli-Coil.  Good luck, be patient and very careful.  Once you learn how to do this you will be more confident in any future projects.