Thermostat bolt broken
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 78
Likes: 1
From: Texas
Thermostat bolt broken
I overtorqued the lower tstat bolt and managed to shear it off when removing it. There is a portion of the bolt left in the housing that is sticking out, probably about 1/8". If tried to remove it with vice grips and a punch & hammer, after pb blaster was applied. Still haven't removed it. I may try and easy out next. Does anyone have any other suggestions to remove this?
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Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 3,572
Likes: 9
From: Jackson Tn
St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'08-'09
you can get a brand new water pump for $140. 
I just checked Advanced Auto and they have a new one for $120. Swap it out and be done with it.
I just checked Advanced Auto and they have a new one for $120. Swap it out and be done with it.
Last edited by printmanjackson; Apr 12, 2012 at 01:44 PM.
Tech Contributor
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 3,100
Likes: 17
From: Somers, CT and Clermont, FL
St. Jude Donor '09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16
To me, it seems like an easy challenge to keep $120 or more in your pocket.
What did you end up doing to solve the problem?
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 78
Likes: 1
From: Texas
The broken screw was completely swaged in there and I couldn't get it out with the tools I had so I just bought a new water pump. I tried pb blaster, vice grips, pin and hammer, welding a nut (i'm a beginner welder) once I pulled the pump. The new water pump was $110 off amazon. Good luck.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 1,163
Likes: 4
From: Concord California
If your mileage is around 50k to 65k, just replace the water pump. The effort to drill and tap will take more time and money. If your around the mileage I've stated, you will have to replace it anyway, it is very easy to replace the water pump on a LS1. I even posted a trick to help hold the gasket in place in the forum (General).. Put a rubber band on all three of the bolts and install the gasket on, the screws spread out and hold the gasket in place just prior to bolting it up to the block.. I know it will make sence when your doing it.
