In the process of removing my AC unit and replacing the bracket that used to hold both that and my smog pump, I had to unbolt just one bolt off the water pump. Center bolt, just to the left of the clutch fan. (Will try and take pics shortly). When I removed it, it began to leak coolant out of that hole so I quickly removed the little bracket that bolt held and then replaced the bolt. Tightened it down, gently. Started the truck to test it all out..... Started to drip from the bolt, again.... Tightened it just a lil more..... Less drip....but still dripping..... ...and a lil more. SNAP! All the threads on that bolt are now in the block while anything that didn't have thread is now in my hand. Needless to say....it's dripping, still. I'm really down about this idiotic move. Please help. Thanks.
Its not that bad. You will have to get an ez out to get the bolt out of the block. then i would Get a hardened one so it wont snap off so easy.
don't worry dude! i have removed hundreds of broken bolts at work. all snapped by guys who make a living turning wrenches! it happens to everyone sooner or later. just center punch the bolt (if you have a set of transfer punches they work really well), drill it (use some cutting oil or wd40 to keep from destroying the bit), and use the ez out.
Thank you for all the quick responses. Comforting. I appreciate that. Ok, so tomorrow I have the day off and will drain the coolant, pull the clutch fan and radiator out. Thinking about removing the front grill and everything else that's in the way, too. Then I'll take the pump off and get a better idea of where I stand.
That bolt must be corroded/rusty... I'm actually suprised it snapped rather than stripping the timing cover. Metal VS Aluminium?? I guess Aluminium won this time. Look at it this way... When you get to the water pump, your halfway to doing the timing chain replacment. Might as well kill two birds, you know the rest...
From the sounds of it, the bolt went through the pump all the way to the block. I've had the pump off before. You should reseal the pump and it's gasket surfaces. Just clean them well before sealing. And don't worry, anyone who turns wrenches is bound to need an EZ out eventually.
