Broken oil pan bolt

[lspann3525]

Short story about about 6 years ago I ended up breaking an oil pan bolt and I could never remove it. At the time there was a little piece of thread sticking out but I could never remove it I was told it was cross threaded. So I attempted to use a bolt extract where you drill a hole in the middle and use the spiraled drill bit. I ended up breaking it as well. I thought about trying the bolt extractor method again but I can’t get a drill bit to go thru the broken bolt

Any ideas on removing this? Or should I just keep running it?? Or should I use a little rtv

 

[rdezs]

The bolt extractor is broke off inside what remains of the bolt? You won't be drilling through that extractor.
I've got a diamond tipped tool for my die grinder, which is flat on the end... And even that takes quite a bit of time. And then you'd probably end up having to helicoil it, which isn't a problem.

I imagine it was probably leaking at that point? He might try RTV.... Both sides of the gasket, and let it set up for 24 hours before putting into service.

If you can keep it from leaking that way, it could go a long time. And then deal with it later on during a rebuild with the block stripped down.

 

[lspann3525]

The bolt extractor is broke off inside what remains of the bolt? You won't be drilling through that extractor.
I've got a diamond tipped tool for my die grinder, which is flat on the end... And even that takes quite a bit of time. And then you'd probably end up having to helicoil it, which isn't a problem.

I imagine it was probably leaking at that point? He might try RTV.... Both sides of the gasket, and let it set up for 24 hours before putting into service.

If you can keep it from leaking that way, it could go a long time. And then deal with it later on during a rebuild with the block stripped down.

The extractor tip did break. Then I started drilling. From the look of it I drilled maybe a few mm into it. I am going try to find a better drill bits any other recommendations I may have a dremel laying around but not sure if I have something diamond tipped

I never noticed the leak coming from that area. ive crawled under the truck with it running never leaked from it.

I was getting small drops around some of the bolts so I decided to change the oil pan gasket and add the oil deflector. While doing the work I decided to give the bolt another try.

 

[j91z28d1]

that's a ugly one.. sort of worse case scenario. like said above once you snap off the extractor life gets worse. I've read they make drill bits for them, but never tried. and it's recessed in there.

man, since it never leaked. without the engine being on a stand, I'd be so temped to Honda bond brand rtv around it and a up to the next hole on both sides of a new gasket and let it ride. if you ever have the engine out, deal with it then.

 

[rdezs]

If you're going to use a die grinder with a bit, take some masking tape and paper and seal off the inside of the block.

You don't want any abrasive dust coating your crankshaft and everything else.

I absolutely hate working upside down on something like that. Don't forget the eye protection.

 

[ReaperHWK]

I’ve had that happen on my f150. I took a very small drill bit and drilled around the extractor a few times and it eventually came out(the broken extractor). Then I used one large bit in the middle and slowly went up sizes until the entire bolt was drilled out and I used a pick set to clean the threads and then used a thread chaser.

Also when drilling go slow and use lube, cutting fluid is best.

Amazon.com

 

[strutaeng]

I would say leave it alone if it's not leaking. If the engine was on the stand you flip it over and weld a nut and remove it that way, but I've never tried that method upside down. I bet that would be a challenge.

I did weld a 3/4" nut on a transmission drain pan bolt once. It was stripped and had tried all other methods to remove it. That wasn't fun, but I did get it out.

 

[Joseph Garcia]

I’ve had that happen on my f150. I took a very small drill bit and drilled around the extractor a few times and it eventually came out(the broken extractor). Then I used one large bit in the middle and slowly went up sizes until the entire bolt was drilled out and I used a pick set to clean the threads and then used a thread chaser.

Also when drilling go slow and use lube, cutting fluid is best.

Amazon.com

I stopped using extractors years ago, because for me, they NEVER worked, and yes, I broke off at least one, as well. I use the progressive drill bit size method, after a very well placed 'dent' in the center of the broken bolt, using a good centering punch, to get the broken bolt out, followed by a thread chaser. The broken bolt will generally loosen up after only 3 or so progressive drill bit sizes. Using a cutting oil is also essential for this procedure.

@ReaperHWK gave you a great suggestion for your specific case, and it could very well work for you.

 

[rdezs]

A good set of left hand drill bits works wonders

 

[mikez71]

I stopped using extractors years ago, because for me, they NEVER worked, and yes, I broke off at least one

Same, except I have broken at least 3! The upsetting thing is I knew I could drill it out, but tried an extractor instead. Never again! But if you do try one, hand crank only.

 

[rdezs]

The Snap-On extractors are the only ones I'll use. Never broken one in 40 plus years....

 

[Skywagon]

Bolt extractors are your worst enemy. Weld a washer on, weld a nut to the washer, crank it out. Throw extractors in the trash.

 

[rdezs]

Actually..... On bolts that small.... I would concur. Break out the welder

 

[alpha_omega]

The Snap-On extractors are the only ones I'll use. Never broken one in 40 plus years....

Ha! I have. Several of them. They do have the best ones though.

I second everyone who has suggested welding a nut onto the broken bolt.