C4 Tech/Performance L98 Corvette and LT1 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine

broken dist bolt 90 L98

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Old Dec 1, 2013 | 03:47 AM
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Default broken dist bolt 90 L98

I have a 90 L 98 and the bolt for dist hold down was frozen and twisted off.
looking for any good ideas before I drill and tap for new larger bolt.
I am going to try to do this without pulling the intake.

thanks for any and all replies.

calicokid
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Old Dec 1, 2013 | 05:16 AM
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Pic? or how much bolt is showing?

http://www.harborfreight.com/13-piec...set-95146.html

Last edited by 94z07fx3; Dec 1, 2013 at 06:56 AM.
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Old Dec 1, 2013 | 07:15 AM
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Default bolt

good idea but bolt broke off when loosing it to change timing. bolt is frozen in block.

thanks calicokid
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Old Dec 1, 2013 | 07:35 AM
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If you can grab it with a vise grip try that first. Soak it down with PB blaster before you begin.

If you tap it and remove it, just take your time. Purchase a high quality kit for the job. There is not a lot of material in that area of the block.
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Old Dec 1, 2013 | 07:57 AM
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If nothing above works, then your best bet is probably to drill and tap it... At least its not holding anything that requires alot of pressure or that will leak when your finished. It's also fairly easy to get to and if the bolt doesn't fit through the part that clamps the distributor you can always drill that to fit the bolt.Just be careful not to go through the bottom of the intake.........WW

Last edited by WW7; Dec 1, 2013 at 08:00 AM.
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Old Dec 1, 2013 | 09:41 AM
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I believe you could build a dam around it and then add whatever penetrating fluid you choose and walk away from it for a couple hours, refill the penetrating fluid a couple times and the next attempt should be the next day. Center-punch it and make your first drill 1/8 or smaller. Work up until you can get an extractor in it and good luck. If you have access to air and an air-chisel you could buy a "blank bit" or small diameter "smoothing tip" and give it a few jolts with low air power before, during and after the soaking.

I don't believe there's enough material there to allow an "over-bore" and a larger threaded fastener.

Originally Posted by 69mako
There is not a lot of material in that area of the block.
Originally Posted by calicokid
good idea but bolt broke off when loosing it to change timing. bolt is frozen in block.

thanks calicokid
The distributor hold down aspect is part of the intake and NOT the block.

Last edited by WVZR-1; Dec 1, 2013 at 10:13 AM.
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Old Dec 1, 2013 | 10:55 AM
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After years of repairing aluminum out drives on salt water boats I would be willing to bet the farm that your dist bolt will not come out of the manifold. Bolts stuck in aluminum either break off or if the bolt is larger in diameter it will strip the threads out of its mount = heli coil time.

For this application suggest drilling & tapping for a 5/16-18 NC bolt.
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Old Dec 1, 2013 | 11:40 AM
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Originally Posted by Churchkey
After years of repairing aluminum out drives on salt water boats I would be willing to bet the farm that your dist bolt will not come out of the manifold. Bolts stuck in aluminum either break off or if the bolt is larger in diameter it will strip the threads out of its mount = heli coil time.

For this application suggest drilling & tapping for a 5/16-18 NC bolt.
good idea, if extraction doesn't work, then he can use a bolt about, or at the same size....WW
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Old Dec 6, 2013 | 09:13 PM
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thanks to all who gave input...
I drilled and tapped it was a pain but got job done


thanks again to everyone


calicokid
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Old Dec 6, 2013 | 09:44 PM
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Default Stuck bolt

Didn't see this till now. Here's some info that may help the next person. For a penetrant, try mixing 50-50 ATF and Acetone. It works as well as the best of the penetrating oils. Another is consider getting a set of left twist drill bits. With luck, it may grab and back out the bolt if you drill slow enough, worst you drill through it.
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Old Dec 6, 2013 | 10:30 PM
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To prevent this (breakage) again....be sure to use anti-seize on the bolt threads. Dissimilar metals (aluminum and steel) will often seize.
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Old Dec 7, 2013 | 12:06 AM
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When I break a bolt in aluminum, I drill, tap and install a stud. Never has to come out again.
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