broke bolt in end of crank
 

I was installing my harmonic balancer and everything was going fine then snap the bolt broke. So I removed the balancer drilled a hole in the center of the bolt all the way through then got an easy out and it broke off in the hole in the bolt. Now what. My drill bit wont touch it :banghead:

Re: broke bolt in end of crank
 

I feel you pain....been there! I would ask, was it a spiral easy out, or 4 fluted easy? next ?.....how deep did it go, before it broke? longhorn

Re: broke bolt in end of crank
 

it was spiral, the easy out broke flush with the end of the bolt. It went in about 3/8 or so.

Re: broke bolt in end of crank
 

I had to "chip" one out....the damn thing is harder than the hinges on He!!s door! You might think about a washer & a nut.....hit it with a MIG, & go reverse to back it out? I will leave the rest of the guys/ideas to play.....best of luck,Longhorn

Re: broke bolt in end of crank
 

there are bits that will drill out broken extractors and taps commonly called rescue bits..

Broken Screw Extractor Removal Tool by Rescue Bit 1/8"


other options;

weld a nut through the inside to the broken stud.. let cool and should come right out..

call around to see if you can get someone out with a portable EDM on a mag base..


depending on the cause of the bolt to break, whether it's thread bound or the head popped from friction on the crank, might be able to chisel it out with a sharp edge and some patience..

could also try grinding it out with a die grinder and a diamond burr.. and of course, lots of patience..


that's what this whole drawer is for, good luck!

https://dl.dropbox.com/s/uva0qv341dx...rawer.jpg?dl=0

Re: broke bolt in end of crank
 

GM didn't put bolts in them until the late 1960's

Me? I wouldn't hesitate to run without a bolt in my own truck as long as I was confident the balancer was fully seated.

Re: broke bolt in end of crank
 

it may or may not hold without the bolt but I have this philosophy about stuff like that..

the manufacturer wouldn't spend 2¢ on anything they didn't feel was absolutely necessary, so I tend to follow that logic..

Re: broke bolt in end of crank
 

I have a pretty comprehensive arsenal of tools to combat this issue much like Killer Bee posted... But, when they won't work, welding a nut to the broken bolt with a MIG gun works like a charm. I had to do the same thing two weeks ago trying to get a 5/16" bolt out of the core support of my 1965 Chevy Bel Air... I broke the bolt off flush with the threaded insert in the core support, so I drilled a hole all the way through the bolt, then got a little too aggressive with it and snapped of an Irwin spiral flute extractor in the broken bolt. I cussed a bit, took a sip of Miller Lite then welded a 5/16" nut to the broken bolt with the welder turned up a bit. I was actually shocked out how easy the bolt came out after welding that nut on it. I guess all the P'Blaster I had previously soaked it with and then the heat from the weld helped out too?

Re: broke bolt in end of crank
 

Weld a flat washer then a nut to the washer , or if you can weld the nut on with no washer if you got a little stub to work with

Re: broke bolt in end of crank
 

Two things. One is you should never use the bolt to pull the harmonic balancer onto the crank. This is why an installation tool is typically used. A simple piece of 7/16-20 B7 all thread, a couple washers and a nut will work just fine also.

Secondly. I have NOT used an easy out in probably 25+ years. I have never had one not break in the past. I either completely drill out the broken bolt and then run a tap to clean up the threads or I go right for welding the nut on.

Re: broke bolt in end of crank
 

Yeah I will never use a easy out again or try to put the harmonic balancer on with a bolt. I am buying the tool to install it today. As far as welding to the bolt I am not sure I can get in there enough as the bolt is broke in the hole of the bolt a little just under flush. I will try though thanks for all the comments.

Re: broke bolt in end of crank
 

Well several broken drill bits and punches later and I finally got the bolt out. Re tapped it and am good to go. Hope it never happens again.

Re: broke bolt in end of crank
 

Good Job!

Re: broke bolt in end of crank
 

The gospel truth...Good job on getting the "easy out" out! I was just about to suggest using a torch...Yes a torch, there's still one or two of us burners who know the discipline of the flame & steel still alive...;)