I've been working on a '59 Lark and a while back sheared a head bolt almost level with the block.
I got a centre punch, drilled it out and ended up slightly off to one side, taking about 1/3 of the original threads with it and leaving a firmly stuck section of bolt in place. Tried prying with sharp objects and eventually managed to use a drillbit to shave off enough to let me work loose what was left of the old bolt.
However, it has left me with a hole that is rather sloppy at the top but with (what I think) are some well-gripping threads at the bottom.
Since this bolt hole is separated from the cylinders by the water chambers am I right in thinking it will not get into the temperature range where JB Weld would fail if I filled the gaps around the top of the bolt with that? Will the head gasket seat correctly and not leak?
Should I just bite the bullet and take it to my local marine shop where they can drill it out and install a helicoil for $80?
Is there another workable option? Could I drill a larger hole, insert a threaded rod and drill and retap that (something like a home-made helicoil)?
This revitalisation project is becoming a rather expensive learning experience! Still fun though.
Thanks for any thoughts.
I got a centre punch, drilled it out and ended up slightly off to one side, taking about 1/3 of the original threads with it and leaving a firmly stuck section of bolt in place. Tried prying with sharp objects and eventually managed to use a drillbit to shave off enough to let me work loose what was left of the old bolt.
However, it has left me with a hole that is rather sloppy at the top but with (what I think) are some well-gripping threads at the bottom.
Since this bolt hole is separated from the cylinders by the water chambers am I right in thinking it will not get into the temperature range where JB Weld would fail if I filled the gaps around the top of the bolt with that? Will the head gasket seat correctly and not leak?
Should I just bite the bullet and take it to my local marine shop where they can drill it out and install a helicoil for $80?
Is there another workable option? Could I drill a larger hole, insert a threaded rod and drill and retap that (something like a home-made helicoil)?
This revitalisation project is becoming a rather expensive learning experience! Still fun though.
Thanks for any thoughts.