While removing the mixing elobw form our 1980 Hunter 33 I snapped off one of the bolts below the block so I can't get at it. Any tricks I should know about. Seems to me that I have to: Remove the shower wall (how big a job is this?) Drill out the bolt and re-tap the threads
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Use an "Easy out"
Once you have made access to the remaining stud, use a small drill to drill into the top of the broken stud. Then use an "Easy-Out" to remove the old one. An Easy-out is a coarse-threaded, tapered, reverse-threaded bit that is used with a wrench to remove the stud. No tapping will be required. Purchase at any hardware store.
Once you have made access to the remaining stud, use a small drill to drill into the top of the broken stud. Then use an "Easy-Out" to remove the old one. An Easy-out is a coarse-threaded, tapered, reverse-threaded bit that is used with a wrench to remove the stud. No tapping will be required. Purchase at any hardware store.
Easy out techniques
The best solution is to try this approach before you snap the stud but that is not much help now. When you twisted the stud you should have noted the really odd filling as the stud twisted off. There is no way to describe this except you can feel the stud "start to snap" Remember it and try not to repeat. This happens to EVERYBODY at least once so don't feel bad. Exhaust manifolds are the worst!!! Spray on WD-40 and then get access to the stud and with a center punch (hardened nail if it is well below the surface) make a dimple in the center. This is EXTREMELY important. If you don't start in the center you could damage the threads later. Drill out the stud starting with the smallest drill you have. You don't need to go the length of the stud just 0.5 or so. Then enlarge the hole till the hole is approx 50% of the stud diameter. Select an easy out that allows 1/8" insertion or more into the hole and twist till you feel the easy out "take a bight" and then repeat the following: twist counter clockwise (CCW) just a little, clock wise (CW) back to where you started. CCW a little farther this time and then back to where you started. If at any time you feel that "starting to snap" feeling stop and turn CW back to start position. The process breaks up the corrosion and allow a safe extraction. It is an art form and some never get it. It is all about the "feel" It is better to turn less and take a longer time than to try to get it out all at once. You DO NOT want to snap off the easy out in the hole as it is hardened steel and you can't drill it out. If this happens you get to buy a new block!!!!!!!!!!! To harden a nail get it red hot and cool in glass of water quickly Good luck
The best solution is to try this approach before you snap the stud but that is not much help now. When you twisted the stud you should have noted the really odd filling as the stud twisted off. There is no way to describe this except you can feel the stud "start to snap" Remember it and try not to repeat. This happens to EVERYBODY at least once so don't feel bad. Exhaust manifolds are the worst!!! Spray on WD-40 and then get access to the stud and with a center punch (hardened nail if it is well below the surface) make a dimple in the center. This is EXTREMELY important. If you don't start in the center you could damage the threads later. Drill out the stud starting with the smallest drill you have. You don't need to go the length of the stud just 0.5 or so. Then enlarge the hole till the hole is approx 50% of the stud diameter. Select an easy out that allows 1/8" insertion or more into the hole and twist till you feel the easy out "take a bight" and then repeat the following: twist counter clockwise (CCW) just a little, clock wise (CW) back to where you started. CCW a little farther this time and then back to where you started. If at any time you feel that "starting to snap" feeling stop and turn CW back to start position. The process breaks up the corrosion and allow a safe extraction. It is an art form and some never get it. It is all about the "feel" It is better to turn less and take a longer time than to try to get it out all at once. You DO NOT want to snap off the easy out in the hole as it is hardened steel and you can't drill it out. If this happens you get to buy a new block!!!!!!!!!!! To harden a nail get it red hot and cool in glass of water quickly Good luck
One more thing
When you successfully get the stud out you will be an unofficial member with the right to become a card carrying member of SWEAT (Society of Workers Engaged in Ancient Trades) ;-)
When you successfully get the stud out you will be an unofficial member with the right to become a card carrying member of SWEAT (Society of Workers Engaged in Ancient Trades) ;-)
Got lucky
Thanks for all your advice. I bought a 90 degree drill head and used short length jobber drills to drill out the old bolt. I think the previous owner must have used stainless steel bolts because the drill cut through them like butter. Anyway, I did not have to take the walls down. Again thanks for your input. This website is truly the best support any Hunter owner is ever going to get.
Thanks for all your advice. I bought a 90 degree drill head and used short length jobber drills to drill out the old bolt. I think the previous owner must have used stainless steel bolts because the drill cut through them like butter. Anyway, I did not have to take the walls down. Again thanks for your input. This website is truly the best support any Hunter owner is ever going to get.
Good Advice Bill!
It seems to have worked well for our friend. I like your way of saying it. And saved him a lot of work.
It seems to have worked well for our friend. I like your way of saying it. And saved him a lot of work.
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