Urgent Help Needed!!

**clivjoo** · 7-7-08, 15:46

ok, here is my appeal for help!

got load sof tips and advice from various members (thanks mr postaldude) about my crazy bolt problem. basically i am looking for a cheap fix, nota bodge, but a chepa fix for this problem. In short, the alternator bracket bolt at the top nearest the oil dip stick/water pipe has become loose, and subsequently de threded or the bracket has pulled too far away form engine block to allow it to tighten.

Gerry has suggested a bullet tap, I am willing to try anything but I dont have the skill to do it, can any one help, or provide any more info ona fix? or suggest a person who might be able to solve this predicament?

if it helps, I have to have a new waterpump done, so can do the timing belt as well all in one job, i CANT afford an engine job though, getting squotes of £600 just for the engine out and bolt hellicoiled, this is way too much.

if someone wants to have a go and i pay them i am all ears, if you can do it, tell me how much you want and i will consider, i would RATHER fix this car than get rid.

thanks very much guys, sorry to post so many times about this.

hope you can help!

**Einstein** · 7-7-08, 18:17

Clive... leave it with me..

John

**clivjoo** · 7-8-08, 2:59

ok, thank john, i read your other post earlier by teh way, about what needs to be done, it does sound daunting, but i think i need to decide if its wrht the risk, because either way i have to pay nick £350 to do the waterpump and stuff, then hope he is able to fit a new thicker bolt...

**john...whats your plan??

**clivjoo** · 7-9-08, 12:31

JOHN, did you mean leave my CAR with you??

i would be very happy to let you get your mits on it, apologies if I mis understood, I am just eager for some resolution (all the help has been great by teh way, I just need to decide what to do...)

**Einstein** · 7-9-08, 14:12

I meant I may be having a trip over to Hudds....
Just a bit busy at the mo, funny really cos I'm not working at present..

Maybe Friday, or sometime next week..

John

**clivjoo** · 7-9-08, 14:15

OHHHHH right!!! sorry, I am a bit slow.

well, thats brilliant is that John, I would be well chuffed if you can fix etc, just let me know what you want to do, I will book any time needed off work etc and of course pay you so long as I can afford!

forgot to add. I am on holiday something like July 26th for a week, IDEALLY I would have car fixed for then as its much comfier than my Fourtrak....

actually...you say not working...i dont want to pry, be nosey or get the wrong end of the stick, but if you are looking for IT work I can mention you to my boss if you want? We are looking for an account manager I think,somone IT literate who can look after our clients/new clients etc, plus we always need extra IT bods,, anyway, apologies if I got the wrong end of the stick.

**Oddball** · 7-9-08, 15:32

Something tells me John's ears should be pricking .. juuuust about ... now ..

And your right John.. funny how you seem to be bussier

.. its all those things we said we would do tomorrow or the weekend piled up and waiting.

Paul.

**Einstein** · 7-10-08, 18:04

Well Friday is a no go.... typical..

Next week should be fine..

No Clive, you didn't get the wrong end of the stick... I was made redundant about 4 weeks ago...
I specialise in hardware, although there isn't much that I can't get my head around..

Your not wrong there Paul... fitted an outside tap for my dad... (only taken 3 years)
had to replace our shower, cos it packed in.. dad want's a catflap fitting in a new door... etc etc etc...

Been to the Great Yorkshire Show today.... saw Liz and Phil.. or HRH's as some call them.
a few TV presenters... a few animals, and plenty craft, food, drink, car, tool stalls..
all in all, a good day out..

John

**clivjoo** · 7-11-08, 3:00

hi John, got your PM. will give you a call either at weekend or early next week. Just need to see what it is you can do so I can get organised. I will be ordering some parts for the job this weekend, minus new bolt as i dont know yet what size/length i need. We have a large B&Q in town anyway...

thanks guys, i really appreciate all your help.

**clivjoo** · 7-18-08, 13:18

HI guys, I dont want to keep PM'ing people, so figured I would continue this thread as i am still on with the work.
John came over the other day (top bloke) and gave me a huge hand in the problem with my car, unfortunatley revealing a bigger problem than we originally anticipated (was only meant to change a waterpump!)

for those who dont know, and fo rthe records, my problem is with the engine mount bracket (lets call it) that attaches DIRECTLY to the engine via three bolts (this then slots onto the engine mount, drivers side). Two of the three bolts are snapped, whats left still in the engine block, an dthe third ok but has started to make its hole a bit wider.

I have to drill INTO these two broken bolts, hopefully using a 90 degree drill chuck and some cobolt drill bits or something similar. SO the question is this. Given the size of the bolts, and trickyness of the job, how far INTO the bolts would i need to drill in order to get a stud extractor in, are we talking just a few MM, or as far as I can? I fear drilling too far you see. I have about 1 inch an da half of bolt stuck in the engine block (I will be posting pictures tomorrow on this project) and i have to do this with the engine STILL in the car.

any tips very welcome, tomorrow i go to get the parts i need and drill chuck, so if you have drilling advice etc please let me know!

cheers guys!

**Einstein** · 7-18-08, 13:26

about a 1/4 inch will do Clive... then use the bolt extractor...

beforehand, spray some WD-40 in there.. and keep spraying now and again.. the longer you leave this the better..

John

**N0DDY** · 7-18-08, 13:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by clivjoo

HI guys, I dont want to keep PM'ing people, so figured I would continue this thread as i am still on with the work.
John came over the other day (top bloke) and gave me a huge hand in the problem with my car, unfortunatley revealing a bigger problem than we originally anticipated (was only meant to change a waterpump!)

for those who dont know, and fo rthe records, my problem is with the engine mount bracket (lets call it) that attaches DIRECTLY to the engine via three bolts (this then slots onto the engine mount, drivers side). Two of the three bolts are snapped, whats left still in the engine block, an dthe third ok but has started to make its hole a bit wider.

I have to drill INTO these two broken bolts, hopefully using a 90 degree drill chuck and some cobolt drill bits or something similar. SO the question is this. Given the size of the bolts, and trickyness of the job, how far INTO the bolts would i need to drill in order to get a stud extractor in, are we talking just a few MM, or as far as I can? I fear drilling too far you see. I have about 1 inch an da half of bolt stuck in the engine block (I will be posting pictures tomorrow on this project) and i have to do this with the engine STILL in the car.

any tips very welcome, tomorrow i go to get the parts i need and drill chuck, so if you have drilling advice etc please let me know!

cheers guys!

I had this exact problem with my old cavalier, eventually the final bolt in the engine mount snapped and half of the engine fell to the floor whilst I was driving it to the garage. I sincerely hope you enjoy more luck than I did, I guess it goes without saying that i probably wouldnt drive it as it is at the moment.

**clivjoo** · 7-18-08, 13:59

right great thanks john, i will spray in the morning before i go to "machine mart" to buy the bits and drill chuck then again before i start and throughout (assuming i make ANY progress!!) i di measure the bolt, and i make it 9mm at the thread side, so yeah, about 1/4 of an inch (am learning...)

**Postal Dude** · 7-18-08, 16:19

The bolts will be tough rather than hard so they will drill OK. However you will need to keep a fair bit of pressure on the drill to make progress. Keep the tip of the drill oiled and it will cut better and keep it's edge longer. Because of the awkward place and position you will be in you can expect to snap a bit or two during the drilling process. I would buy at least two bits of the same size, preferably more. You must centre pop the bolt stub before drilling so you drill as close to centre as possible. Once you have drilled it start the engine up and let it get nice and hot. The expansion will loosen the Alloys grip on the stud and make extraction easier. It's very unusual for threads to be tight on Jap engines so I would expect that once it starts to move it will spin out with your fingers.

Gerry

**Einstein** · 7-18-08, 17:04

If you are going to start the engine Clive. (good idea by the way Gerry) remember to put the belt back on

It wasn't very tight, so you should be ok with wrapping it around the pulley, and sliding the pulley back over the pump.. you should be ok to leave that connector off.. but tie it up out of the way so it doesn't get caught up anywhere..

John

7-7-08, 15:46	#1 (permalink)
clivjoo Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: huddersfield, UK Age: 31 iTrader: (0)	Urgent Help Needed!! ok, here is my appeal for help! got load sof tips and advice from various members (thanks mr postaldude) about my crazy bolt problem. basically i am looking for a cheap fix, nota bodge, but a chepa fix for this problem. In short, the alternator bracket bolt at the top nearest the oil dip stick/water pipe has become loose, and subsequently de threded or the bracket has pulled too far away form engine block to allow it to tighten. Gerry has suggested a bullet tap, I am willing to try anything but I dont have the skill to do it, can any one help, or provide any more info ona fix? or suggest a person who might be able to solve this predicament? if it helps, I have to have a new waterpump done, so can do the timing belt as well all in one job, i CANT afford an engine job though, getting squotes of £600 just for the engine out and bolt hellicoiled, this is way too much. if someone wants to have a go and i pay them i am all ears, if you can do it, tell me how much you want and i will consider, i would RATHER fix this car than get rid. thanks very much guys, sorry to post so many times about this. hope you can help!
	I FIXED MY CAR-WE FIXED MY CAR!!

7-8-08, 2:59	#3 (permalink)
clivjoo Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: huddersfield, UK Age: 31 iTrader: (0)	ok, thank john, i read your other post earlier by teh way, about what needs to be done, it does sound daunting, but i think i need to decide if its wrht the risk, because either way i have to pay nick £350 to do the waterpump and stuff, then hope he is able to fit a new thicker bolt... *john...whats your plan?? Last edited by clivjoo : 7-8-08 at 13:00.*
	I FIXED MY CAR-WE FIXED MY CAR!!

7-9-08, 12:31	#4 (permalink)
clivjoo Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: huddersfield, UK Age: 31 iTrader: (0)	JOHN, did you mean leave my CAR with you?? i would be very happy to let you get your mits on it, apologies if I mis understood, I am just eager for some resolution (all the help has been great by teh way, I just need to decide what to do...)
	I FIXED MY CAR-WE FIXED MY CAR!!

7-9-08, 14:15	#6 (permalink)
clivjoo Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: huddersfield, UK Age: 31 iTrader: (0)	OHHHHH right!!! sorry, I am a bit slow. well, thats brilliant is that John, I would be well chuffed if you can fix etc, just let me know what you want to do, I will book any time needed off work etc and of course pay you so long as I can afford! forgot to add. I am on holiday something like July 26th for a week, IDEALLY I would have car fixed for then as its much comfier than my Fourtrak.... actually...you say not working...i dont want to pry, be nosey or get the wrong end of the stick, but if you are looking for IT work I can mention you to my boss if you want? We are looking for an account manager I think,somone IT literate who can look after our clients/new clients etc, plus we always need extra IT bods,, anyway, apologies if I got the wrong end of the stick. Last edited by clivjoo : 7-9-08 at 14:19.
	I FIXED MY CAR-WE FIXED MY CAR!!

7-9-08, 15:32	#7 (permalink)
Oddball Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: kent, UK Age: 40 iTrader: (3)	Something tells me John's ears should be pricking .. juuuust about ... now .. And your right John.. funny how you seem to be bussier .. its all those things we said we would do tomorrow or the weekend piled up and waiting. Paul.
	Current Ride and new project- 93 Cavalier Turbo, running approx 260 at 12psi on phase one chips. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ R.I.P 92 2nd gen HYBRID - ZE cams, ZE inlet manifold, Mag leads, 65mm TB, CAI, Tokico shocks springs, SS headers, SS DE-cat, SS Scorpion cat back, 17in Wolfrace Osaka alloys - pics ==>My Album

7-11-08, 3:00	#9 (permalink)
clivjoo Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: huddersfield, UK Age: 31 iTrader: (0)	hi John, got your PM. will give you a call either at weekend or early next week. Just need to see what it is you can do so I can get organised. I will be ordering some parts for the job this weekend, minus new bolt as i dont know yet what size/length i need. We have a large B&Q in town anyway... thanks guys, i really appreciate all your help.
	I FIXED MY CAR-WE FIXED MY CAR!!

7-18-08, 13:18	#10 (permalink)
clivjoo Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: huddersfield, UK Age: 31 iTrader: (0)	HI guys, I dont want to keep PM'ing people, so figured I would continue this thread as i am still on with the work. John came over the other day (top bloke) and gave me a huge hand in the problem with my car, unfortunatley revealing a bigger problem than we originally anticipated (was only meant to change a waterpump!) for those who dont know, and fo rthe records, my problem is with the engine mount bracket (lets call it) that attaches DIRECTLY to the engine via three bolts (this then slots onto the engine mount, drivers side). Two of the three bolts are snapped, whats left still in the engine block, an dthe third ok but has started to make its hole a bit wider. I have to drill INTO these two broken bolts, hopefully using a 90 degree drill chuck and some cobolt drill bits or something similar. SO the question is this. Given the size of the bolts, and trickyness of the job, how far INTO the bolts would i need to drill in order to get a stud extractor in, are we talking just a few MM, or as far as I can? I fear drilling too far you see. I have about 1 inch an da half of bolt stuck in the engine block (I will be posting pictures tomorrow on this project) and i have to do this with the engine STILL in the car. any tips very welcome, tomorrow i go to get the parts i need and drill chuck, so if you have drilling advice etc please let me know! cheers guys!
	I FIXED MY CAR-WE FIXED MY CAR!!

7-18-08, 13:59	#13 (permalink)
clivjoo Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: huddersfield, UK Age: 31 iTrader: (0)	right great thanks john, i will spray in the morning before i go to "machine mart" to buy the bits and drill chuck then again before i start and throughout (assuming i make ANY progress!!) i di measure the bolt, and i make it 9mm at the thread side, so yeah, about 1/4 of an inch (am learning...)
	I FIXED MY CAR-WE FIXED MY CAR!!

7-18-08, 16:19	#14 (permalink)
Postal Dude Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Durham, UK Age: 45 iTrader: (0)	The bolts will be tough rather than hard so they will drill OK. However you will need to keep a fair bit of pressure on the drill to make progress. Keep the tip of the drill oiled and it will cut better and keep it's edge longer. Because of the awkward place and position you will be in you can expect to snap a bit or two during the drilling process. I would buy at least two bits of the same size, preferably more. You must centre pop the bolt stub before drilling so you drill as close to centre as possible. Once you have drilled it start the engine up and let it get nice and hot. The expansion will loosen the Alloys grip on the stud and make extraction easier. It's very unusual for threads to be tight on Jap engines so I would expect that once it starts to move it will spin out with your fingers. Gerry
	97 Black MX-6 and a Toyota Estima www.rcmf.co.uk www.namfc.co.uk