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      05-17-2020, 07:49 PM   #1
JL947
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Snapped Bolt Extractor in Snapped Bolt

One of the valve cover screws/bolts had snapped on me, so a bolt extractor was used. However, to my surprise, the extractor had snapped while turning counter-clock wise. Now there's a napped screw with a snapped extractor sitting in my engine.

Really hoping the only solution isn't replacing the whole cylinder head, so any tips and advice would be GREATLY appreciated. Image will be provided tomorrow whenever there's better lighting.



Update 5/24/20

Thanks for the tips and advice provided. After lots of patience and frustration the extractor and bolt have now been drilled out, but not without consequences. The original female threads took a slight damage, sacrificing the bolt's ability to be tightened. The good news is, after some research the discovery of Time-Serts was made, and I'm surprised these are not more commonly known. So a set of Time-Serts have been ordered and it does look very promising. Will post results when the product arrives.

Update 6/1/20

Time-Serts are great tools for repairing stripped holes, cannot believe people prefer Helicoil over these. These German made products are pricier, but just like our cars, you get what you pay for. So far there has not been any leaks from the Time-Sert.
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Last edited by JL947; 06-08-2020 at 11:10 AM..
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      05-18-2020, 05:25 AM   #2
pbonsalb
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You are not in a great situation but I think a pro Or very patient and careful DIYer could get the broken bolt out. He might very carefully use cobalt bits to try to drill through the extractor. If that did not work, he might drill tiny holes all around it and try to get it out. If that did not work he might try drilling around the edge of the bolt to weaken in but this is risky and it’s possibly the threads in the head will be damaged. The hole could be retapped, or tapped one size larger, or filled with epoxy like JB Weld and drilled and retapped. I don’t know whether there is space to try to tig weld Another bolt or piece of aluminum to the top but that would have to be very precisely done.
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      05-20-2020, 08:32 AM   #3
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Thats a tough spot for sure. Bolt extractors are EXTREMELY hard metal, and I've been in a similar spot (though not on any engine bolt). As the above post suggest, it took me a LONG TIME to get it out. Lots of very slow and precise drilling, and eventually was able to get the bolt out. Takes patience!
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      05-20-2020, 08:38 AM   #4
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Happy drilling. Worst case, drill and tap the next size up if you damage the threads.
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      05-20-2020, 12:49 PM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rcracin View Post
Happy drilling. Worst case, drill and tap the next size up if you damage the threads.
Having to do that to the cylinder head would probably bring me close to vomiting
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      05-20-2020, 01:39 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by WhiteM3EMC View Post
Having to do that to the cylinder head would probably bring me close to vomiting
Eh, it’s just a valve cover bolt. Cover the head and have a someone hold a powerful vacuum.

Worst case, it isn’t too expensive to replace a single head.
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      05-24-2020, 10:02 PM   #7
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Update in first post.
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