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Thread: Crap, Snapped a bolt that holds a coil in.

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jan 2004
    Location
    Boston & Attleboro MA
    Posts
    727

    Default Crap, Snapped a bolt that holds a coil in.

    Geez was putting in new plugs & coils and I snapped one of the bolts that holds in an ignition coil. Just the other one holding it on didnt seem bad. Any chance that bolt can be removed and replaced.... didnt inspect the area was at the end of the work and just wanted to wrap up the job, probably cant be done, not gonna get a whole new cyclinder head just for one crappy bolt.... well maybe a junkyard.... not happy bout it....

    Thanks

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Dec 2003
    Location
    Eastern Tennessee USi
    Posts
    14,843

    Default

    I know what your talking about, that sucks. Is there any of the stud sticking up to get vice grips on at all? If so try a little heat and then try to unscrew it. About the only other thing to attempt is to drill the stud out with a small drill bit, be very careful however, the stud is hardened and of course much harder than the aluminum. If this is succesful you could get a small helicoil and finish the job up.

    Good luck!!!
    95 E34 530I V2.37
    ===========
    Those who make peaceful revolution impossible will make violent revolution inevitable.

    John F. Kennedy

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jan 2004
    Location
    Boston & Attleboro MA
    Posts
    727

    Default Yeah about 3/4" Left, only bout 1/8" short from comin through

    Didnt feel like seeing if it would screw out.... would wait until I am home next time to let Pop's da pro look at it... cause I would just screw it up even more... just was curious if anyone else made my stupid mistake....

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Jan 2004
    Location
    Birmingham
    Posts
    68

    Default Before you go replacing your head ...

    here are a couple things you can try:

    1) if you have some stud showing, you can spot weld another bolt to it, then unscrew your broken piece using this bolt. If you can't easily weld a bolt, then use a piece of steel plate, drill a small hole in it big enough to pass the stud through, then weld the top of the stud to the outside of the plate.

    If you do any welding, please be very careful to not damage the cylinder head.

    2) get a reverse threaded screw extractor. You drill a tiny hole into the centre of the broken screw. Screw in the reverse threaded extractor (tightens when you turn anti-clockwise) then continue turning anti-clockwise until it pulls the broken screw out.

    Make sure you cover the plug hole as you don't want any machined swarf bits falling into the engine.

    Wish you well, good luck!

    Masood


    95-525i manual rhd black

    Confucius says, "War does not determine who's right. War determine who's left"

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Feb 2004
    Location
    NE GA
    Posts
    157

    Default

    I've had pretty good luck with broken bolts by trying to drill them out with a left hand drill bit of a smaller size than the original bolt. Most of the time the offending stud will back right on out! Good luck!
    JR
    1992 525 IA, EAT chip, 16 x 7.5 Rondell 58's, BavAuto Springs, Bilstein Sports, Elipsoid Smileys & fogs, Z3 Pistol grip shifter, 4 VDO gauge package, Azure Blue w/nice patina - clearcoat shot

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Dec 2003
    Location
    Eastern Tennessee USi
    Posts
    14,843

    Default where do you get left hand drill bits??

    Quote Originally Posted by JR'Z 525
    I've had pretty good luck with broken bolts by trying to drill them out with a left hand drill bit of a smaller size than the original bolt. Most of the time the offending stud will back right on out! Good luck!
    JR
    95 E34 530I V2.37
    ===========
    Those who make peaceful revolution impossible will make violent revolution inevitable.

    John F. Kennedy

  7. #7
    Unregistered Guest

    Default

    Machine shop or industrial supply houses, auto parts stores, etc. Take care of them because sharpening them can be a real chore. Sears has several interesting new tool systems for stud removal. The trick to drilling is to accurately locate the center of the broken stud, a procedure made difficult from the illusion of the screw minor diameter and the remaining thread helix.
    Good luck,

    Paul

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