Snapped a bolt - help me before Lars gets here!
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 426
Likes: 0
Snapped a bolt - help me before Lars gets here!
So I noticed the other day I had a pretty good leak coming from my water pump. I started to remove my old pump...and then it happened...bing! The head of the lower bolt, pass side came right off. I need to get this resolved ASAP as my 'vette will be one of the lucky ones to get "Tuned by Lars" this Saturday.
So my question is now...are the bolt holes on the water pump threaded? It looks like this is the original pump. If they aren't, I think I should be lucky enough to still remove it and have enough of the bolt showing to hopefully remove it.
I don't want to cause any further damage until I get some good advice!
Thanks,
Tony
edit:
I also have a bracket for A/C. I don't know if this makes things worse or better?
So my question is now...are the bolt holes on the water pump threaded? It looks like this is the original pump. If they aren't, I think I should be lucky enough to still remove it and have enough of the bolt showing to hopefully remove it.
I don't want to cause any further damage until I get some good advice!
Thanks,
Tony
edit:
I also have a bracket for A/C. I don't know if this makes things worse or better?
Last edited by tonyk72; May 29, 2005 at 09:00 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 11,874
Likes: 263
From: Arlington Va Current ride 04 vert, previous vettes: 69 vert, 77 resto mod
no the bolt holes inthe water pump are not threaded....just "bores" you can expect the bolt shaft to pretty crappy, good luck.
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 1,427
Likes: 1
From: Boxford Mass
You mean on the actual pump? Not on the one I took off, threads are in the block. So I presume you are going to pull off the pump to get at the bolt.
I getting tuned this Saturday too & I have a serious electrical problem jeodardizing my car's attendance (I'll be there no matter what)
I getting tuned this Saturday too & I have a serious electrical problem jeodardizing my car's attendance (I'll be there no matter what)
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 11,874
Likes: 263
From: Arlington Va Current ride 04 vert, previous vettes: 69 vert, 77 resto mod
i feel your guys pain....my car is the second car in the NJ tuning session for the fall....its going to make it even if i have to push it the 90 miles to get there.....
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 2,497
Likes: 509
From: Willowbrook IL
St. Jude Donor '13-'14-'15-'16
Originally Posted by tonyk72
So I noticed the other day I had a pretty good leak coming from my water pump. I started to remove my old pump...and then it happened...bing! The head of the lower bolt, pass side came right off. I need to get this resolved ASAP as my 'vette will be one of the lucky ones to get "Tuned by Lars" this Saturday.
So my question is now...are the bolt holes on the water pump threaded? It looks like this is the original pump. If they aren't, I think I should be lucky enough to still remove it and have enough of the bolt showing to hopefully remove it.
I don't want to cause any further damage until I get some good advice!
Thanks,
Tony
edit:
I also have a bracket for A/C. I don't know if this makes things worse or better?
So my question is now...are the bolt holes on the water pump threaded? It looks like this is the original pump. If they aren't, I think I should be lucky enough to still remove it and have enough of the bolt showing to hopefully remove it.
I don't want to cause any further damage until I get some good advice!
Thanks,
Tony
edit:
I also have a bracket for A/C. I don't know if this makes things worse or better?
Don
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 6,128
Likes: 21
From: North Alabama
Originally Posted by tonyk72
I tried the vice grips, this thing ain't budging. I lubed it up with some super penetrating lube stuff & will try again in the morning.
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 1,608
Likes: 3
From: Canberra AUSTRALIA
St. Jude Donor '05-'06
Do as JC says. If you can add some heat (propane torch) it may help. Also try using wide blade screwdriver to wedge the water pump of theblock. I know it is a little bubba but these are desperate times.
You could also try drilling a small hole along the bolt (might cut into pump a little) to try and give it breathing space which may help it to move.
I am still up working so if you have more questions IM me.
I wish you the best of luck.
You could also try drilling a small hole along the bolt (might cut into pump a little) to try and give it breathing space which may help it to move.
I am still up working so if you have more questions IM me.
I wish you the best of luck.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 8,339
Likes: 24
From: I can walk to MA
Up late working in the garage are we ?
2 AM I just got in ... I won't go into how much I did (Lots) and how much to do (lots),
but I might be driving mine in the driveway come Saturday.
Like these guys said ... get the pump loose and outta there.
Looks like it might need some heat on the pump to loosen.
WATCH the radiator .. you don't wanna compound this.
It looks like the shank of the bolt might be healthy.
If so - after sliding the pump off - I would try a small pipe wrench.
Forget vice grips - the pipe wrench grabs harder - the harder you push.
If that doesn't do it, then we could try welding a nut on the end to wrench it off.
I hope we have some cars to tune.
2 AM I just got in ... I won't go into how much I did (Lots) and how much to do (lots),
but I might be driving mine in the driveway come Saturday.
Like these guys said ... get the pump loose and outta there.
Looks like it might need some heat on the pump to loosen.
WATCH the radiator .. you don't wanna compound this.
It looks like the shank of the bolt might be healthy.
If so - after sliding the pump off - I would try a small pipe wrench.
Forget vice grips - the pipe wrench grabs harder - the harder you push.
If that doesn't do it, then we could try welding a nut on the end to wrench it off.
I hope we have some cars to tune.
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 1,608
Likes: 3
From: Canberra AUSTRALIA
St. Jude Donor '05-'06
Originally Posted by NHvette
Up late working in the garage are we ?
I wish! I was doing my LAST MBA assignment. Thankfully the vette doesn't need much work done to it now. I still have to install the X-pipe, a new coolant tank and a rag top.
Anyway back to the problem.
Did you get the bolt out?
Pete
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 8,339
Likes: 24
From: I can walk to MA
I meant Tony ... but you were up late also.
It seems all of us in New England have -something- to get fixed up before Lars gets here.
I'd just remind everyone that I wanted to do it later in the season.
Let me know how it goes, Tony. I'm working a short day today.
So, I'm not available to help right away - but the welder loads into the truck easy enough if you need it welded. Lemme know.
- Dave
It seems all of us in New England have -something- to get fixed up before Lars gets here.
I'd just remind everyone that I wanted to do it later in the season.
Let me know how it goes, Tony. I'm working a short day today.
So, I'm not available to help right away - but the welder loads into the truck easy enough if you need it welded. Lemme know.
- Dave
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 426
Likes: 0
The pump moves freely now, I can pivot it up/down about 15 degrees. The problem is it pivots on the broken bolt & the bolt moves as I pivot the pump....which leads me to believe I shouldn't have a problem removing the bolt when the pump comes off...But the pump isn't coming off! 
I'm not too crazy about using heat because my fuel line runs about 3" away. For now, I'm going to run out and get a pipe wrench and try to hold the bolt still as I pivot the pump...hopefully that'll do the trick.
Thanks for all your help guys! I'll keep ya posted.
I'm not too crazy about using heat because my fuel line runs about 3" away. For now, I'm going to run out and get a pipe wrench and try to hold the bolt still as I pivot the pump...hopefully that'll do the trick.
Thanks for all your help guys! I'll keep ya posted.
Last edited by tonyk72; May 30, 2005 at 11:53 AM. Reason: typo
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 5,269
Likes: 54
From: Orlando Florida
St. Jude Donor '05
Originally Posted by tonyk72
The problem is it pivots on the broken bolt & the bolt moves as I pivot the pump....which leads me to believe I shouldn't have a problem removing the bolt when the pump comes off...But the pump isn't coming off!
The bolt shouldn't move
Hopefully the threads in the block are fine ....
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 8,339
Likes: 24
From: I can walk to MA
Good news. He's saying the threads are loose in the block (not seized)
and the bolt is rust-seized to the inside of the pump.
Just wrap the hoses and belts loosely with a few layers of aluminum foil,
and heat the pump. They will be fine.
BTW - you have the rubber line from the pump.
I'm trying to dig up parts to fix mine to steel during the event.
If I find something, I'll get a couple sets - should be fairly cheap.
-Dave
and the bolt is rust-seized to the inside of the pump.
Just wrap the hoses and belts loosely with a few layers of aluminum foil,
and heat the pump. They will be fine.
BTW - you have the rubber line from the pump.
I'm trying to dig up parts to fix mine to steel during the event.
If I find something, I'll get a couple sets - should be fairly cheap.
-Dave
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 426
Likes: 0
Good thing Sears was open today
Sears carried a stripped bolt remover socket set which did the trick for me! I just hammered (many, many times) the socket onto the bolt and used a socket wrench to rock the rusty bolt loose and out!
Now I hope I can pick up a GM Performance parts aluminum water pump locally tomorrow or at least a stock GM pump while the original goes out for a rebuild (yes, I'm an originality freak...but one day I hope to replace the LT-1 w/ a ZZ383). I have a new BOSCH unit ready to mount, but think it'll go back to Pep Boys.
So I think I should be all set for Satuday! I just hope it all goes well from here.
Dave, BTW, the fuel line is steel.
Thanks again,
Tony
Now I hope I can pick up a GM Performance parts aluminum water pump locally tomorrow or at least a stock GM pump while the original goes out for a rebuild (yes, I'm an originality freak...but one day I hope to replace the LT-1 w/ a ZZ383). I have a new BOSCH unit ready to mount, but think it'll go back to Pep Boys.
So I think I should be all set for Satuday! I just hope it all goes well from here.
Dave, BTW, the fuel line is steel.
Thanks again,
Tony
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 11,874
Likes: 263
From: Arlington Va Current ride 04 vert, previous vettes: 69 vert, 77 resto mod
Originally Posted by tonyk72
,,,,,, (yes, I'm an originality freak...but one day I hope to replace the LT-1 w/ a ZZ383).
tony...this is the DARK side calling scrap the original stuff come to the DARK SIDE our Force is strong and we have many....
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 8,339
Likes: 24
From: I can walk to MA
The DARK side will give you the power to keep your original parts from dying,
but it won't force you to wear seatbelts and keep yourself from dying.
(You'd have to have seen episode 3 for that to make sense)
That's great news Tony ... sorry for misreading your picture.
The steel line has same color/texture as the hoses.
The LT-1 line is one-of-a-kind and pricey if I recall ... so we will leave it be.
I like original parts - due to the quality ... replacements are typically crap.
If I can, I refurbish the old ... at least when a better upgrade is not available.
Looking forward to this weekend ... looks like the weather might cooperate.
but it won't force you to wear seatbelts and keep yourself from dying.
(You'd have to have seen episode 3 for that to make sense)
That's great news Tony ... sorry for misreading your picture.
The steel line has same color/texture as the hoses.
The LT-1 line is one-of-a-kind and pricey if I recall ... so we will leave it be.
I like original parts - due to the quality ... replacements are typically crap.
If I can, I refurbish the old ... at least when a better upgrade is not available.
Looking forward to this weekend ... looks like the weather might cooperate.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 426
Likes: 0
Maybe I should quit while I'm ahead?
I decided that I might as well replace my fan shroud as it was cracked & I got a new one at Carlise last year...nows a good time right? Looks like I know why my old one is cracked...ease of installation & removal! There doesn't seem to be an easy way to get the new shroud in there without pulling the rad and/or other stuff. Forget it...I'm just gonna clean up the garage and hopefully install a new GM pump tomorrow.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 426
Likes: 0
How long should the bolts be?
I got new same length bolts to go with my new pump. The newer pump is a slightly thicker casting so now my bolts only go in less than 1/4 inch & some 1/8 of an inch! I checked the original pump & bolts and they showed a little more thread, but not much. So my question is how much of the bolt should go into the block?
Also, I am using the BOSCH pump...too many problems with the aluminum version...
Also, I am using the BOSCH pump...too many problems with the aluminum version...