oil pan broken bolt!

[celeryman22]

Hi I got a broken bolt in the block that holds the oil pan on. Its right in the middle. The block is getting ready to be put back together. I tried to extract it but that didn't work (i broke the screw extractor). So I'm thinking I need to use a helicoil. Where can I get a kit that won't cost me an arm and a leg. I need I can get he coil itself for 1.00 or so. Canyou confirm the bolt size of 1/4" x 20. How long of a coil will I need?

Do you need the kit to install these? I did it back in high school but I can't remember now.

Thanks
Mike

 

[like2drive]

the helicoil kit has a specific drill bit for the thread size, usually a real odd ball drill. Yea, very expensive, but they work. Would you put one on a brake caliper stud? I did, stil works. the oil pan screws are not very long, I'm kinda surprised you broke the extractor....which would have been my first choice too. Is the oil pan off? If so, it shouldn't take much to get the sucker out. Luck to you. Jim

 

[celeryman22]

I oil pan if off, the block is on the table and striped. I just got the cam bearing installed and before I tackle anymore I want to get the drilling and tapping done. I drilled the bolt started the extractor and the cheapass thing (Canadian Tire model) snapped in the bolt. Of course I tried needle nose pliers to get the extractor out but it just broke even more. I startted to drill the bolt out thinking I could get the next size extractor to start but its being a pain. I'm going to try to find some sort of insert for it, maybe even a Recoil if I can find them.

 

[wishuwerehere82]

Yes, that is a 1/4-20 bolt. If it's stuck that bad, it's cross-threaded already. Try drilling the center out with a small drill and work your way up to the next size drill, taking a little out of the center at a time using oil as a lubricant. That way you won't bind the drill up, snap it, and have to drill the drill out.
Unfortunately, the helicoil kits are around $30.00 US and seem like a lot to spend for one lousy bolt hole.

 

[I_R_DA_ONE]

Mike
I have had this same problem with other bolts....breaking the extractor......what I do is to break the extractor apart by using a tap [used for tapping a hole] that is very hard and has a sharp point.. break the extractor apart by hitting the tap with a ball peen hammer[point end on the broken extractor]...be sure to wear gloves when doing this....because the hardened metal will shatter....and wear glasses also.....
after the extractor is broken it can be easly picked out of the hole....
If the extractor does not break and you can see marks on the end where you hit it, you can drill it out by using a colbalt drill bit....
The bolts that hold the pan on are 1/4-20 by 1/2 inch....
when you go to rethread the holes,,, start by drilling a very small hole in the center of the broken bolt..... 1/16 or so... go slow and not break this bit...
this will help you keep the hole lined up...
drill larger and larger holes till you get to a #7 drill bit....then clean out the hole by using a 1/4-20 tap....you may have to run the tap in a little at a time or it will get stuck...run it in then a little then back it out...do this several times....you may have to get a bottom tap to clean the holes to the bottom....

I hope this helps
Mike

 

[joe1975]

Hey Cel, that package finnally showed up 2 days before Xmas I'll let you know how it works out

 

[celeryman22]

Hey Cel, that package finnally showed up 2 days before Xmas I'll let you know how it works out

Good old snail mail.

Glad to here you got it.

On another note, I bought a recoil thread fixer for 12.00 on ebay. Hopefully I can fix up the thread.

 

[joe1975]

I hope it works out for you, my experince with the helicoil wasn't bad the coils cost me 2 bucks I had the tap already worked out well .

 

[Jack]

Mike's tip to drill and then "pick" the bolt's threads out is your best bet ... best to avoid the helicoil at small op boltholes. If you lose a bit too much iron from bolt removal, most any auto machine shop can use a nickel welding rod to spot in a dab more ... then just tap it. FYI a VERY good choice in new oil pan gasket set for 75-85 sbc is a "one-piece" Fel-Pro P/N OS34510T ... comes with 1-piece gasket, all new bolts & star washers ... really works great, I use same P/N on race motors too ... easier to install ... no leaks ... I probably won't go back to old-style 4-piece. I get 1-pc set for about $20.
JACK:gap