wil4aim

Got the steeroids for the car this weekend, pulled all the old stuff off no problems that a hammer and cuss words couldn't fix. Then decided to replace the rear main seal as well so i dropped the pan no problems there or cuss words needed, got a one piece gasket to go with it. started to put the rear main cap back on with my handy dandy torque wrench set to the appropriate ftlbs and SNAP!!!!! a M%#$*&^(**#$#(^Q(*&$#(R*&#@(^ Son)%#$(%)#$(*)$(*#)*%$)%_*$)(*) bolt! I cried, i pondered human existence, what color hate is, and i wondered what it would be like to drive a prius, but what really got me was what is the boss lady (wife) going to say or how hard is she going to laugh at me because she hates my car. So, I beg to you Vette gods, gimmie every piece of advice that can help me get that driver side rear main bolt extracted. It is sitting about a little over 1/4 of an inch below the surface. oil pump is out of the way and engine is still in the car.

Thank you in advance for any and all advice.

terrys6t8roadster

Is the main cap off? Did you lubricate the threads before installing bolt? Is it just the threads left in the block? If so the threads are loose in the block, try a pick and see if it moves. A reverse cutting drill bit might just walk the piece out. Good luck T

lvmyvt76

did you not post this already??

76strokervette

Try the left hand drill and use the correct size for an easy out just in case you have to go that route.

Rodnok1

Easy out time...

croaker

Pop Chevy

Cobalt drill bit and an easy out. Shouldn't take 15 mins. Get a different torque wrench, I've never seen a main bolt break.

Lagonia

I have had very good luck using a left handed drill bit.

wil4aim

DId not lubricate the bolt before hand, the cap is off and i got some reverse drill bits that are supposed to be "bearing hard" and will give it a shot thanks again for your time and advice.

wil4aim

The wife always catches me looking at her like im sneaking a peek, she replies with "you know that car belongs to you". And i do it all the time i walk by the car.

F4Gary

Just remember, it's a HOBBY!
Keep repeating that. It's just a hobby, it's just a hobby.

TimAT

Broke a main cap bolt? You should have your torque wrench tested to see if it's correct. 70 ft/lbs. on a 7/16 bolt.

Rig up some kind of a jig to make double sure you drill the broken bolt DEADNUTZ in the center. Piece of pipe or whatever you can think of. And drill it straight. Start out with a 1/8 left hand twist bit and move up one or two steps at a time.

BlackRocket

I would go a little larger than an 1/8" drill as they can snap off very easily. Maybe a 5/32 or 3/16 and some cutting oil. Contrary to standard cutting speeds I would go slow with a light force clearing the chips/dust regularly with some spray oil. You definitely don't want the bit to break off embedded in the hole like has happened to me in the past!

terrys6t8roadster

When you get a new set of 'ARP' main cap bolts they come with thread lubricant. T

BROKEN RODS

It will also tell you when changing to their fastener and change in clamping load block should align honed.

jim2527

I was lucky, my broken main bolt had an edge. Using a flat blade screw driver and a hammer I was able to rotate the bolt by tapping on the edge. All it took was about a turn and then I was able grab it with pliers.

derekderek

There had to be some kind of flaw with that main cap bolt in order for the head to break off like that. More than likely it's the only bad one, but I would buy a set of 10 main studs or better bolts.

OMF

Did you get it out??.......

super charged

Unless the bolt is bottomed out it should turn out easy. You could use some carb cleaner and a bit of epoxy should come out.