Broken bolt inside timing chain cover.

[TheDude]

*1968 200ci engine*

I broke a bolt inside the timing chain cover. I'm not sure if I should try to drill it and get an easyout in there with the timing chain cover on or remove the cover. I'm afraid I might get some metal inside the cover and damage something. However, I need to remove the balancer in order to get the timing chain cover off.

In the picture, the red arrow points to the location of the broken bolt.

What would be the best method?

Thanks

 

[XFlow_Fairlane]

the covers holes are not open internally so unless you use a 1" drill bit to drill it out you should be fine. it might be a little hard working back in there though.

 

[fordconvert]

I thought you were going to say it was one of the little oil pan bolts in the timing cover. I now have 3 motors and I broke one in the first cover the next one didnt have bolts in it when I got it (they were broken long time ago by the looks of things) and the last one had helicoils in it.

What were you trying to do when you broke the bolt?

How much of the bolt came out?

 

[mustang6]

I'd remove the cover and see if there is any of the bolt left that's taller than the hole it screws into. Use penetrant on it overnight, then grab with visegrips and remove.

 

[TheDude]

I removed an extra timing marker that sat over the timing marker that is cast into the cover. I was puting the bolts (two of them) back in when it snapped. The bolt that snapped was rusted and was one of the smaller sizes. Where do I get the puller to remove the balancer? What is involved with its removal? Is it something that will screw with the timing or have to be readjusted when installed?

Here is a picture of the extra timing marker:

It interferes with the alternator belt. It has to be removed in order to get the belt on the pulley.

 

[woodbutcher]

Hi The Dude.If you drill the broken bolt out,use a LEFT hand drill bit.The heat from drilling should back the broken bolt out.Of course you DO need to have a reversible drill.
Leo

 

[fordconvert]

I would think about running it and see if it leaks. The 'right' way to do the timing cover is to drop the oil pan. After doing one now I think you would have a shot of doing it without droppin the pan but it would be hard to get things clean and dry and thats the key to no leaks. Worst thing now would be a minor oil leak but the cover is fairly thick and you broke one of the middle bolts so you may be fine. If the last guy that had it apart used some sealer you are even in better shape. Once you start diggin in to stuff its hard to tell what you are going to find, it may be a bunch of 'might as wells' and next thing you know its been off the road for 3 months and you have a full rebuild.

 

[XFlow_Fairlane]

^^^^^^

been there.....and am still there....

 

[TheDude]

I don't believe I have any left handed drill bits for metal. I will have to get some.

Yes, now that I have a few things apart I can't help but think about upgrades. Since my engine is not original I think I will just build another engine while I'm running this one. I don't plan on having the money to build the engine I would like to build so for the next few years I will have to settle for what I have now.

 

[fordconvert]

If you dont have money to build another engine now I wouldnt touch anything unless it leaks bad.

Can you post a pic of whats left of the bolt?

 

[TheDude]

Most of the bolt came out. There is maybe 1/4" left inside the cover.

 

[addo]

If you are short on money, and have no need to remove the cover, I second the advice to leave it. Being near the top and in a non-stressed area, there's no real reason it should leak.

 

[TheDude]

I'd love to be able to let it go but it will bother me to have a broken bolt in there. I'm going out tomorrow to find some left handed drill bits. I bought a replacement bolt set for the timing cover so I will have the right bolt.

 

[CoupeBoy]

Sometimes you will find left handed bits in with bolt extraction kits. I'd look for one of those kits and kill 2 birds with one stone.

hehe, if I let a (non-essential) broken bolt or missing bolt keep me from driving my car, it would have cobwebs all over it. Think of the missing part as a weight reduction (free power). Although most guys remove weight from the threaded end

-ron

 

[Bort62]

I have at least one of those bolts broken off in mine as well. It doesnt leak however so Im not going to touch it.

 

[TheDude]

You guys make it difficult to make up my mind. I ordered this kit. I think its a good deal and I know they will be very useful when the time comes. It will be a nice addition to my tool collection.

...must make up mind...must get car on road...

 

[addo]

Looks like a good price for "name brand" drill bits.