Snapped alternator adj. rod bolt in block...

[240Zdragon72]

[The 2.8 N/A engine in the car, not the turbo]

Yesterday I noticed that my oil guage was reading low, like it does most of the time. When it went to 0 and then past at 60mph, I had to check it out. I noticed that oil was leaking from the front timing cover. The top bolt that holds the alternator adjustment rod to the block was loose. As I was tightening the bolt it would get a little tight and then keep spinning. The bolt was snapped and fell out in my hand. The remaining part of the bolt is approximetly 1/4" out of the block, not the cover. I might be able to (when I pull the radiator, fan and timing cover) get it with vise grips, but I don't want to chance snapping it off and being out of luck with getting it out. Any advice in what to use? Should I tap the hole with a little bigger size bolt? This is so upsetting :hurt:

[LanceM]

Since you have bolt sticking out of the block you are in great shape IMO. The best way to get it out is to find a nut that will fit over what is sticking out, tighter the better and weld it on. The heat from welding will break the bolt loose from the block and you will be able to use a wrench to take it out.

Now the big deal, you don't have access to a welder I bet... find one, vice grips will probably only make things worse IMO...

[240Zdragon72]

Thanks, I'll see if a buddy of mine has his welder here or at his Grandparents place.

[seerex]

I would also spray a lubricating or bolt loosing stuff in there as well

[240Zdragon72]

I took apart the engine today to find more snapped bolts in the oil pump. This is really upsetting. So I am going to take all the 1 1/2 month old timing stuff and put it in the turbo engine. I will have pictures of the engine torn down posted soon. I just got the dang thing running. So, now I guess I can sell these really good SU carbs with air horns and the no smog balance bar, and all other stuff except the block. If you are interested, send me a PM.

This will just give me motivation to look into stuff for my turbo engine. :devious: (seeing that the turbo is what I really want in the car)

[240Zdragon72]

Pictures posted.

[cremmenga]

My best friend did this also with his porsche 944. the scary part was it wasn't sticking out. he sprayed it for several days ahead of time with lub to loosen it. My dad is a tool and die engineer and he brought home some of his taps and drilled into bolt and screwed it right out!! I was proud of the old man, i was nervouse as hell to see him drilling away into an aluminium block, but he didn't slip and it was out in about 2 mins.

[240Zdragon72]

I got the bolt out!!! I sprayed the PB first and waited for 5 min. When I started to hit it with the EZ out, it moved. Got the rest with the pliers, like butter. Lady J will be back on the road by next weekend!!

Special thanks to LanceM, seerex, cremmenga. Much appreceated.