I have an '85 GMC pickup. Unfortunately, the center bolt of the crankshaft snapped so its not something I, or any mechanic I know in my area, can fix. I've heard that a lot of people just throw in a new engine rather than fix this. Does anyone know a mechanic in the Mass. area that would fix this (drill the broken part of the bolt out I guess)?

engine in the truck or out of the truck?
where in MA?

The engine is still in the truck. I'm in Brockton, MA.

im guessing your talking about the balancer bolt? if so first thing go get yourself some left handed drill bits first center punch the broken part of the bolt so the bit doesnt walk and mess up the threads. the bolt will probably come out before you have even drilled all the way through it. if not get an eazy out in there and try turning it out

Thanks cableguy, I'll try that. Excuse my ignorance with everything, I'm new at this stuff and trying to learn.

Thanks cableguy, I'll try that. Excuse my ignorance with everything, I'm new at this stuff and trying to learn.


So, how did it go?

Been busy so I'm planning on trying it this Saturday. Hopefully I dont screw up. I'll let you know how it goes.

Been busy so I'm planning on trying it this Saturday. Hopefully I dont screw up. I'll let you know how it goes.
Let me know if you need help.

Yanking out the radiator and pulling the fan is very helpful to get in there.

A right angle drill really helps!

Thanks grendel, I appreciate it! I have a right angle drill ready to go.

just try to center punch the bolt it will help you a lot. the biggest thing to worry about is the drill bit walking

So, how did this turn out? Wish I had seen this before. I live in RI, but work in Brockton, off West Chestnut st. As fate would have it, fixing/getting out/repairing broken stuff is my specialty. :)

If you need a hand, let me know.

Thanks Bob. Unfortuntely, it didn't turn out too well. I think I had a pretty good center punch and drilled pretty far though it but it didn't budge. I then tried to use an easy out which also didn't move the bolt and when I tried to remove it, the tip broke off. So now I think I'm probably in even worse shape. I was going to try to drill around the broken tip to get it out, but I'm not sure if thats the right thing to do either.

I'm planning on selling this truck once I get it fixed so I would hate to ask for your help for something I'm just going to turn around and sell. I can take a picture of what happened later this week once the weather improves and maybe you can give me some advice from there.

Thanks Bob. Unfortuntely, it didn't turn out too well. I think I had a pretty good center punch and drilled pretty far though it but it didn't budge. I then tried to use an easy out which also didn't move the bolt and when I tried to remove it, the tip broke off. So now I think I'm probably in even worse shape. I was going to try to drill around the broken tip to get it out, but I'm not sure if thats the right thing to do either.

I'm planning on selling this truck once I get it fixed so I would hate to ask for your help for something I'm just going to turn around and sell. I can take a picture of what happened later this week once the weather improves and maybe you can give me some advice from there.

Pics work as well. Sounds like a mess, but it happens a lot. What may work is using a punch to strike the easy-out to break it out of the hole. Of course, wear safety glasses.

Do you have access to a torch? I'm thinking applying a little heat to it will help to get it out. Also, PB Blaster (I think Auto Zone has this stuff) works great for freeing up bolts.