I have a M25 Universal in my 1985 C-30. The V-belt came loose and when when I went to adjust it, the bolt torqued off and left only a short stud sticking out of the exhaust manifold. Does anyone have a trick on getting this out. I have tried pentrating oil, heat, and vise grips but it will not budge. I am ready to use an easyout but the location of the stud is such that I can not get a drill close to it unless I cut a hole in the fiberglass panel directly in front of the engine. (I could take the engine out but I am not ready for that step yet) Before I drill, I was hoping that someone will have a nifty solution. Anyone else have this happen to them? PS I also notice that Marine Diesel Direct has a conversion kit for mounting the alternator. Makes me think that I am not the first to experience this problem. Has anyone installed the conversion kit?
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Common problem
Yes, it is a common problem and has happened to me. I have an '83 Cat. 30 with an M25. My bolt broke just as I began motoring under a draw bridge with a strong current pushing towards the bridge. I made it through and discovered what was causing the racket in the engine compartment. I called a diesel mechanic who had a nifty tool that screwed into the broken piece of bolt (in reverse). Once he screwed it in, he was able to back out the bolt. This is the kind of job that requires the right kind of tool. Good luck.
Yes, it is a common problem and has happened to me. I have an '83 Cat. 30 with an M25. My bolt broke just as I began motoring under a draw bridge with a strong current pushing towards the bridge. I made it through and discovered what was causing the racket in the engine compartment. I called a diesel mechanic who had a nifty tool that screwed into the broken piece of bolt (in reverse). Once he screwed it in, he was able to back out the bolt. This is the kind of job that requires the right kind of tool. Good luck.
WD40
Try spraying WD40 around the stud where it disappears into the casting. You will have to do it several times over a couple of days. If it's still stiff you may be able to weld a lever to the protruding piece of the stud to exert sufficient leverage to get it moving.
Try spraying WD40 around the stud where it disappears into the casting. You will have to do it several times over a couple of days. If it's still stiff you may be able to weld a lever to the protruding piece of the stud to exert sufficient leverage to get it moving.
Alternator Bracket
I have a 87 C30 with the M25, I strongly suggest you upgrade the alternator bracket once you get the old bolt out as it is common for the bolt to break
I have a 87 C30 with the M25, I strongly suggest you upgrade the alternator bracket once you get the old bolt out as it is common for the bolt to break
New Bracket
Follow the advice here and replace the bracket. I did on my M25 and it was just in time! While I was unbolting the old bracket it broke in my hands. Would have been a real problem had the engine been running. If the bolt that is frozen is the one that the old bracket pivots on and runs through an ear in the housing cover just use a dremel to cut off the exposed part and leave the rest alone. You do not use that bolt to install the new bracket.
Follow the advice here and replace the bracket. I did on my M25 and it was just in time! While I was unbolting the old bracket it broke in my hands. Would have been a real problem had the engine been running. If the bolt that is frozen is the one that the old bracket pivots on and runs through an ear in the housing cover just use a dremel to cut off the exposed part and leave the rest alone. You do not use that bolt to install the new bracket.
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