Broken Water pump Bolt !!!

[ldlabata]

I need some suggestions.

I'm replacing my Radiator on my 78 280Z cause it's leaking bad. I was doing well in the process of removing my radiator out so I decided that I may as well replace my water pump while I'm at it. As I was removing the bolts that hold the water pump to the engine block, I turned one of two of the bigger size bolts on the bottom of the water pump and it Broke. leaving almost an inch of the end of the bolt inside the block.

Any of you guys ever had this happen to them? Please give me some advice.

I will attempt to drill it out but scared I might do more damage than repair. Maybe I should just leave it there. What do you guys think.

[AxtellZ]

Is this a daily driver, or other? I have heard of a few people riding around with 6 of the 7 bolts due to the same thing, with no problem whatsoever. Then again, i'm not sure which bolt they had broken, or if it makes a difference?

If it were me, i think i would leave it & torque the remainder down correctly. And DO apply some antiseize when you re-install ANYTHING on your Z! Just keep a close eye on it if you take my advise! HTH, Jeremiah

[DakotaZ]

Glad I saw this post, I'm getting ready to replace my water pump beings the old one sounds like the bearings are going out. Questions is, what is the proper torque on the bolts, It's not listed in my Haynes manuel.

[2ManyZs]

None of my books have it either, so since it says 11ft-lbs for the large front cover bolts, I would use that setting for the water pump bolts. 10-12 ft-lbs sounds pretty close to me. Anyone else have the correct torque setting?

As far as the broken bolt goes, try soaking it with a good penetrating oit for a day before you try to remove it. Use a GOOD extractor, not a cheap one from Pep Boys or something like that (remember you get what you pay for, drill it as straight and as well centered as possible (center punch it first). If you cannot get it to budge, then don't force the issue and go without as Jeremiah said. I would at least give it one try to remove it instead of going without it not having tried to remove it.

[DakotaZ]

After breaking the bolt off while removing the thermastat cover I learned one thing. Always soak the bolts prior to trying to remove them. Sprayed a bunch of lubricating oil on my water pump bolts on Saturday and they came right out Sunday Night. Now I just have to wait on the parts.