Cam Bolts

[Mike Kopstain]

Well when you think everything is going to be ok, something else comes and gives you a firm kick in the rear.

While installing new cams today, we had a bolt snap off. It's less appealing half is now stuck in the head.

I want to get the input of some people that have done this before to see if there are any tips that would benefit me.

If this keeps up, I might go bald at the tender age of 21.

 

[Mike Kopstain]

Before anyone asks, yes it was torqued down in the correct 2 step pattern. The bolt that broke was the front exhaust cam, chain sprocket side.

For those that have done the cams, it's the second one you torque down.

 

[haydenm315]

You will need to drill out the broken bolt. There is some kind of kit for extracting the old stud but I don't know what it is called and haven't had to use one yet. You may need to rethread the hole afterwards using a heli-coil kit M7 x 1. I've used one of those before and it's held up pretty well thus far. It's a very rare kit that will probably need to be special ordered. You will need to be careful to not damage the aluminum cylinder that guides the cam journal bolt when removing the broken bolt or have extras. Good luck.

 

[NotSoSlowSHO]

** consider the heli-coil a last resort...


Do you have any pics Mikey?

Ive got a few tricks... but it all depends on what you have to work with shrug

One idea that comes to mind is to grind a slot in the top of the bolt, then remove it with a large flat-head screwdriver

Another thought is to drill and tap a hole in the bolt, thread the hole, then loc-tite a new bolt in the new hole... then try backing it out


Again, do you have any pics?

 

[Off Road SHO]

Mike,

I feel for you Bro. Those bolts are pretty small so it wont be easy. Is the bolt sheared off flat, or at an angle? Is it flush with the top of the head or recessed? If it's possible, make the broken bolt flat so that you can center punch and then drill into the center of the bolt. Use an easy-out. I prefer the square sided ones over the twist drill type but either should work. And remember, the torque ratings for the bolt still apply, whether you're tightening them down, or trying to remove them with an easy-out, so take it easy. Good luck.

Tom

 

[Bizzy]

Dosen't Sears carry revers drill bits for this purpose. Start drilling till it catches then it may back itself out. I'd put a little drop of some kind of oil at the edge of the threads so that it might wick its way down.

Looks like the set is $39.99 over at sears.