Broken bolt in rocker cover

CrabieCrawford

Hi I have broken a bolt in my rocker cover while trying to change the gasket.

The car is a mk 1 focus, 1.4L 16v petrol.

While turning the bolt it felt like it was turning but not actually coming out, and after a few turns it snapped. I tried turning a second and it felt the same so stopped. I notice a few of the other bolts have been previously changed. Is it possible that a few more will snap while taking them out? Any way of preventing this?

Whats the best thing to do? A full set of new bolts on standby just in case hope that the break high enough to get a grip on them to get the rest out?

cletus

Loads of wd40, leave it soak for a few hours. You're going to have to take them out now anyway. If you can give the ratchet/spanner a tap with a rubber mallet when you start opening the other bolts it might just break them enough to get them out.

Hope any that do break di so above the head, otherwise you're into drilling them out and re-tapping.

I'd replace all the bolts at the same time, and make sure they're torqued properly

CrabieCrawford

cletus wrote: »

Loads of wd40, leave it soak for a few hours. You're going to have to take them out now anyway. If you can give the ratchet/spanner a tap with a rubber mallet when you start opening the other bolts it might just break them enough to get them out.

Hope any that do break di so above the head, otherwise you're into drilling them out and re-tapping.

I'd replace all the bolts at the same time, and make sure they're torqued properly

Cheers for the reply. Looks like I have a fun day ahead.

The one that broke looks like it should be easy enough to get a grip on which could be worse I suppose. What would be the initial problem, torqued too much the last time, or just seized with time or is it usually a problem? Or a possible combination of all 3?

Will it be ok to drive with for a day? With the intention of getting it done asap?

cajonlardo

If you get stuck try these:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SMrDYJvY0Ts

easy outs. I got a cheap set for less than a tenner and I was amazed how well it worked. If you do need them the top tip I'd give is read up or watch the vdeos carefully and follow instructions to the letter.

CrabieCrawford

Also would anyone know what size these bolts are?

It looks like theyre only threaded at the bottom, threaded into the head, not the cover itself.

Mycroft H

If you've had a bolt that's difficult to take out it's always a good idea to run a tap through it to clean out the thread.

CJhaughey

cajonlardo wrote: »

If you get stuck try these:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SMrDYJvY0Ts

easy outs. I got a cheap set for less than a tenner and I was amazed how well it worked. If you do need them the top tip I'd give is read up or watch the vdeos carefully and follow instructions to the letter.

Easyouts can work very well in bolts that aren't seized, if the bolt has snapped off from seizure then its likely to be tight.
Those are made from very hard steel, and if they snap off in the bolt then you are in big trouble as you cannot drill them out.
They have their uses but you have to be very careful how they are used.
If there is a stub to grip then its much better to use that to remove the broken bolt rather than have nothing to grip.
Often welding another nut to the stub will allow them to be removed, the heat from welding breaks the bond between fastener and whatever its screwed into.
Penetrating oil, heat and patience is the key to successful removal, don't rush.

CJhaughey

CrabieCrawford wrote: »

Also would anyone know what size these bolts are?

It looks like theyre only threaded at the bottom, threaded into the head, not the cover itself.

Go to Ford and buy a new set, easiest way if the old ones are stepped or partially threaded.
They won't be huge money.