Broken thermostat housing bolt E30

poleposition · 03-01-2013, 09:56 PM

Hey guys,

Recently bought an E30 and have been busy replacing a lot of parts. While taking the bolts of the thermostat housing, one of the bolts head snapped off. There is a bit of the bolt sticking out of the head. I tried vice gripping it, heating then vice gripping it - no luck

From what I have read on forums seems like the only option left is to drill into it, use extractor drill bits.

Before I attempt to drill into it, just wanted to know if anyone on here has had experience with broken bolts? What method worked best for you? Thanks.

I will try uploading a pic later.

BmW1819 · 03-02-2013, 06:50 PM

Yea pic please

Yamahammer · 03-02-2013, 08:34 PM

The tstat housing attaches with studs/nuts. The nut snapped the stud off?

Ceeker · 03-03-2013, 12:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Yamahammer

The tstat housing attaches with studs/nuts. The nut snapped the stud off?

that, or he's referring to the 3 x10mm bolts that hold the thermostat cover on the housing. they do tend to snap. I haven't heard about the nut snapping the stud off. the likely hood of that happening is slim because it would most probably pull the stud out of the head with the nut first, unless it was REALLY corroded.

you could drill it out with a slightly smaller diam bit and retap it. shouldn't be a big deal. if heat didn't work you weren't using something hot enough. propane won't do it. you need a temp higher or a torch.

Yamahammer · 03-03-2013, 01:26 PM

I figured since he said there is a bit "sticking out of the head" it is the studs and not the cover bolts.

If it is the cover bolt that has snapped off inside the t-stat housing, then I would just pull the housing off and replace it. They are 35$ now.

poleposition · 03-03-2013, 01:40 PM

Hey guys, sorry about the confusion. Yes what I meant was the 10mm bolts that go through the thermostat housing into the head to keep the housing in place. One of those snapped.

Yamahammer · 03-03-2013, 01:43 PM

So you are talking about #19 in this picture?

or #9 in this picture?

BmW1819 · 03-03-2013, 02:23 PM

Hes got a 318 guys ;-)not a m20

Ceeker · 03-03-2013, 03:03 PM

use heat..but still I can't imagine it costing much from the dealership now even if it's M42.

poleposition · 03-03-2013, 06:00 PM

Hey guys, thanks for the suggestions so far, was away from a pc so couldnt reply properly. Yes it is a M42 318.

Bolt 9 in the pic is what has snapped, but the bottom right one.

There is an oil leak from the oil filter housing, hence the gunk all over the engine.

poleposition · 03-03-2013, 06:18 PM

So tried vice gripping it, no chance. Used a torch to heat it then tried, no luck. Then I decided to go to Canadian tire and bought one of their extractor drill sets . It and some normal bits. Sort of drilled into it a bit, i was so happy that mastercraft finally came through haha, then the 'extractor' snapped

. should have stayed away from Mastercraft.

poleposition · 03-03-2013, 06:33 PM

i spoke to a professional extractor, he said he would just cut off the part thats sticking out and then just drill out the rest of it, but thats going to cost me $100

If I were to use the other three bolts and a gasket+sealant, would it have sufficient strength to hold the housing in place? Any suggestions?

BmW1819 · 03-03-2013, 06:54 PM

U gotta use heat and female extractor

Dinanstu · 03-04-2013, 06:52 AM

Can U post a pic of where you're right now with this project?

Ceeker · 03-04-2013, 09:18 AM

drill out an extractor? hmmm...well, you got the other bolts still good to go. I'd throw a gasket on, use some gasket sealant and torx the bolts down. cross your fingers. it's only a therm housing; and from where it's at you may get away with it. or...dig deeper..lol