broke a bolt

[RussL]

I was changing the valve cover gaskets on my 1200 yesterday and as I was getting the last bolt started and was screwing it in,,, I reached the stop for hand tight and got out my torque wrench and set it to 15lbs and as I was about 10 lbs,,, the bolt snapped and left me with a broken bolt in the left head,, bottom right side bolt... :help: I loosened the other 3 bolts and carefully removed the valve cover and got on the floor to see... in a not hard to reach area,,, it was there in all its glory... The bolt snapped off right at the flange area at the end of the threads... Some one really put some torque to crack the area and me snugging it up must have forced the break...
I have some backouts, the reverse threaded type...
Do I drill it out and retap the area leaving a larger hole... or try to drill and use the backouts... I have never gotten the backouts to work...
Any words of wisdom... :help:

 

[slabghost]

Try a small reverse twist drill bit. With a little luck the process of drilling will back it out.

 

[mcgovern61]

I had that happen on an '81 head. I drilled and used an easy out and the easy out broke off inside the bolt! :head bang:

I finally used a Dremmel to drill around the broken bolt and backed it out. Re-drilled the hole and used a Helicoil.

 

[flash2002]

Try this, cut the head off a machine screw and glue it on the bolt with JB weld and let it cure, next day unscrew. I did this a few times and it works as long as the bolt is not jammed at the bottom.

 

[jerryinmich57]

slabghost » Tue Aug 30, 2016 12:48 pm[/url]":1ht2ul5y]
Try a small reverse twist drill bit. With a little luck the process of drilling will back it out.

I have used a left hand drill bit (reverse drill bit) several times at the shop to remove broken bolts I usually drill slow and the bit catches and backs the bolt right out.

 

[Ansimp]

jerryinmich57 » Wed Aug 31, 2016 10:04 am[/url]":1a5qhlyi]

slabghost » Tue Aug 30, 2016 12:48 pm[/url]":1a5qhlyi]
Try a small reverse twist drill bit. With a little luck the process of drilling will back it out.

I have used a left hand drill bit (reverse drill bit) several times at the shop to remove broken bolts I usually drill slow and the bit catches and backs the bolt right out.

The main thing with any attempt to remove broken bolts and screws is to make sure that you find the centre first. I often prefer to grind or sand the broken bolt flat so it is easier to drill in the middle. :yes:

 

[Tom_Charlton]

If you have enough room, use your wire welder and weld another bolt to the exposed top. Should come right out then.

 

[RussL]

I have it drilled and I am about ready to tap it,,, want to measure again,,, then tap it and get the valve cover back on... It needs riding...