Engine Problem - 'sort of'

[Gavin N.]

I have a spark plug heat shield bolt broken off in the block on my 64. To make matters worse I snapped an e-z out in the bolt trying to get it out because my drill hole was obviously 'none too good'. I'm thinking that I'll have to drill at least one hole around this mess to get it out. Is there enough clearance in the block in this area without coming too close to the water jacket or oil galleys? Any better ideas? Keep in mind that the engine is the car so space is limited.

[Jeff Gunn #29146]

Re: Engine Problem - 'sort of'

I don't know if this will work for your situation, but it worked for me on a bolt broken off in a motorcycle engine. I took it to a welder friend who would build up material on top of the broken bolt, then quickly clamp a vise-grip on the hot metal. He let it cool for a minute or two, and harden up, then used the vise grips to turn the bolt out. I don't know if you've got room in there for such an operation, but I wanted to at least mention it to you. Best of luck, I hate broken bolts! Jeff


Jeff's '74 Corvette Restoration Project

[Larry Allen #11708]

Re: Engine Problem - 'sort of'

I had the same problem on a C-1. There isn't enough room with the engine installed to do what needs to be done. Because the heat shield is so light you can drill a small hole beside the ez-out and tap it for a bolt. That will be enough until you have the engine out. Mine was a little easier as I didn't have the broken ez-out to contend with. There is at least a 3/8" of metal all the way around the hole without getting close to the water jacket, it's the depth that would be critical.