head gasket ?

[ctltmp]

Again, there are a lot of guys with a lot more experience than I...........

Did the head gasket show signs of blow by around the cylinders? Sounds like it it there is carbon in the water passages. It's a good opportunity to take off the bottom radiator hose and flush out any rust or crap that's in the block. Maybe someone else can suggest what to use in the water to help with that.

I have always had good luck with a penetrate called Kroil as my secret weapon, along with a lot of patients to remove broken off bolts. I have had to drill them and and put a heli coil in. Not a terrible thing, but again just take time and some care. I hope then come right out for ya!

[Lt.Mike]

On the head bolts, a couple weeks back I picked up a set of reverse drill bits from Harbor Freight for this purpose.
It’s said there’s a point in drilling where the bit often grabs and backs the bolt out .
Can’t verify this for myself but I’m sure my day will come again.

[coppersmythe]

On the head bolts, a couple weeks back I picked up a set of reverse drill bits from Harbor Freight for this purpose.
It’s said there’s a point in drilling where the bit often grabs and backs the bolt out .
Can’t verify this for myself but I’m sure my day will come again.

I forgot about those , I'll be heading into the "big city" today , got some stuff that dale finch recommended too , to get . thanks for the reminder , coppersmythe.............................

[staninlowerAL]

Val, there is a drill guide available for centering the drill bit on the head bolt, made and donated by a forum member. I left it with mvhicrop a couple years ago. He may still have it. Good luck. Stan

[coppersmythe]

twin girls and my youngest daughters girl ( all three under four years of age ! ) will be staying with us the next few days . cub project takes a back seat to grandkids i do have a question , to see if others have had my experience . Over the last ten years , i have sprayed just about EVERY brand of "magic potion" from kroil to seafoams version to the homemade concoctions at one time or another . spray twice a day for as long as 2 weeks , and "wacking" with a wooden sheet metal mallet . i have yet to pull a head bolt that is "wet" on the shaft or especially at the threads . Bone rusty dry . coppersmythe......................

[coppersmythe]

On the head bolts, a couple weeks back I picked up a set of reverse drill bits from Harbor Freight for this purpose.
It’s said there’s a point in drilling where the bit often grabs and backs the bolt out .
Can’t verify this for myself but I’m sure my day will come again.

Went to harbor freight yesterday to buy three items , one the lefty drill bits . ALL THREE ITEMS were sold out ordered online , ended up getting them a little cheaper and no 10% La. sales tax coppersmythe..............

[Stanton]

Val, while you’re dealing with the head bolts in the block, you may try contacting a local machine shop and see if they could boil the head out and deck it. Even a radiator shop would be able to boil it out. That would give you a clean head to reinstall. Just a thought...

Sorry to hear about the head bolts. Had to drill some out too. I’ve used the 50/50 acetone/ATF, which is supposed to be the best, but never pulled out “wet” threads either. Sharp drill bit, vertical position and lots of patience will get them out. If threads are still in good shape, be sure to re-tap them.

Keep us posted on your progress.

[Mht]

I have had good luck removing broken head bolts by welding a flat washer and then a nut on them if there is any amount sticking up above the block. I take a flat washer that will just fit on the bolt stub and weld it to the bolt. Then I take a nut that is slightly larger and weld it through the center to the bolt and washer. Sometimes I have to repeat the process but usually if I let the weld completely cool I can remove it with my impact wrench with the power turned way down. I typically use my small mig welder for the job. I think the heat directed into the broken bolt is the secret. I have successfully removed hundreds of broken bolts this way over the years

[Lt.Mike]

Agree with MHT (he beat me to the draw )
If you have access to a welder this trick that has worked well for me ....

https://youtu.be/aRrz-cphBY4

https://youtu.be/bSOg7aQ44eg
These are renditions on it. I haven’t tried the drilling part yet though.
It gives purchase on the broken bolt and the extreme heat breaks the bolts corrosion bond free.
If the nut snaps off just keep trying.
I recently used this trick to remove broken cab mount bolts on my truck. Some came out first try, some 3 try’s, one took 7 but they all came out!

[Jim Becker]

. . . I’ve used the 50/50 acetone/ATF, which is supposed to be the best, but never pulled out “wet” threads either. . . .

I've never found more than about 1/2 thread that was even damp. Didn't matter which concoction I used or how much time it had to soak.

[coppersmythe]

Welded a washer to nut . Nut tothe bolt . No luck . Welded a nut to the stud . No luck.

[coppersmythe]

Going to try something different . stay posted........

[Bob McCarty]

Val, When Ron was removing several broken bolts (not head bolts) at DSCF, it took multiple attempts before they came out. Don't give up after one try.

[Mht]

I agree with Bob. Sometimes I’ve had to weld 4 or 5 nuts on a broken bolt before it comes loose

[coppersmythe]

thanks guys , i'm regrouping . the one time i have used the welded nut technique , the head bolts broke off with a few threads showing above the block . threaded a nut on , welded , worked good . these four buggers broke off just about flush . Trying to hold the nut in place ,while lining up the rod and dropping my hood . a wire feed welder and a "instant on" hood would really help thats my story and i'm sticking to it coppersmythe....................PS: dropping off the twins sunday afternoon , i'll get back on it hot and heavy Monday . In the first photo , I put the washer on , stepped back and thought , maybe taking the carb off BEFORE welding would be wise .welded washer to broken bolt

20200228_134745.jpg

welded nut to washer, no luck

20200228_141028.jpg

welded just nut to bolt. no luck

20200228_143931.jpg

i put cardboard on the block to keep spatter off , just not in the photo.