Timing sprocket bolt's head broke, what now?

[tryingbe]

Took the timing sprocket off so I can put the crank key in there (don't know how but it was missing), when putting it back on, the bolt wouldn't tighten the sprocket all the way, so I tried to back it out, couldn't. Used the break bar on it and it just broke the head of the bolt

Even thought I can use the nut on what used to be a bolt, I'm afraid to do so fearing that more of the stud would break off.

So, my questions is can a dealership fix that or would I have a better chance at independ mechanic?

By the way, I know the stuff on the bolt looks like metal, but it's just bubble from PB blaster.

[WVRampage]

Was this how you got the car with the keyway out of it or what Im just wondering about that,I cant remember but that bolt also looks like the wrong bolt to me.I dont know about the nut Im sure some one else will coment but a pipe wrench can be used to get a bolt out if 2 nuts wont work.I hope some one else has more info on this.

[tryingbe]

I put the key in there and tighten the bolt after chaning the crank seal the first time. The car passed smog, ran for 200miles. I parked it for one week and the turbo started to smoke. Took the turbo to rebuild and upon retiming the engine, I notice the dot on sprocket doesn't point to the intermediate shaft gear when the flywheel mark is at zero degree, so I suspected the key wasn't there and it wasn't. No damage on the crank or the sprocket so I guess key must have slipped off when I pressed the sprocket the first time.

The bolt you see is the same bolt I used the first time, which worked fine.

I'm not touching it anymore, I used a 3 ft breaker bar on it and all I did was to break the bolt head. Two nut trick will probably break more of the bolt off.

I need to know if I need to take the whole crank out in order for a machine shop to fix it. I'm done messing that stupid bolt.

[mpgmike]

I would suppose a competent shop could most likely get it out without pulling the crank. I would surmise that working it with a stud puller might free it up. Would have to wedge a large screwdriver in the flywheel teeth to keep the crank from rotating while you work.

Mike

[shadow88]

Around here, we have a mobile bolt excraction and thread repair guy. Maybe you have one in your area. If I were you, I'd pick up a yellow pages and call around. If you find one, you should grab a new bolt before the guy makes it to your house.
The guy we use charges about $40 per hole, maybe $50 for one like that. It's way cheaper to try this route.

[BadAssPerformance]

I'm not touching it anymore, I used a 3 ft breaker bar on it and all I did was to break the bolt head. Two nut trick will probably break more of the bolt off.

I know how you feel. I went to help a friend do a simple brake job on his Ford Escort and ended up breaking off the first 2 lug studs I touched with the breaker bar I was using. Breaker bars can but the wrong moment into the stud sometimes. He decided to take it to a shop so we didnt have to fix the studs but for your case... options in order of preference...

-there is enough sticking out to double nut it (and use an impact gun to remove it instead of the breaker bar)

-if that doesnt work, drill a hole into it and use an EZ-out

-or grind two flats on it to get a wrench on.

-or weld a nut on the end of it

Good luck!

[jckrieger]

Weld a nut on the end and use an impact... it WILL come out! I had to do this on a ring gear bolt because the chrome socket broke when I had a breaker bar on it, causing the head to round off! Also, if you try the double nut trick, hit the end of the bolt with a hammer pretty hard a couple times to help break it loose.. you'd be amazed at how much the hammer trick helps sometimes!

[GLHSKEN]

impact = better than constant pressure....

[jckrieger]

impact = better than constant pressure....

Yep, most metals get stronger and more brittle as the "strain rate" is increased. More strength = less breakage!

[WickedShelby88]

I know Honda uses loctite or some sort on their crank bolts and you have to heat them to get them to break free so I dont see why heating that area of the crank while all of the above mentioned to break the bolt free would hurt anything.

[turbovanman²]

I 3rd the weld a nut on and use an impact. Soak the threads with some penetrating fluid and a torch might be needed to help the heat loosen the grip.