I can't believe I broke the head bolt!

[mgnewbie]

Man! talk about being dumb! I just broke the #6 head bolt with my torque wrench. Can someone please give me some advice on what my options are.... :confuse: In the meantime I need a beer...
YB

 

[Hap Waldrop]

Where did it break, at what point, flush with the block deck, or up at the top of the head, if at the top of the head, then remove the head and use a a good stud socket to remove what is left. This is why I use ARP head studs in my rebuilds.

What were you torquing it to?

 

[DrEntropy]

The slippery slope. You stepped onto it if the head gasket wasn't leaking... :shocked:

Your options are limited. Either you will be pulling the head to replace the bolt or you could super glue the thing back on the head for cosmetics and LEAVE THE REST of 'em alone!

Off with its head. ARP head studs and nuts, a ~PAYEN~ gasket set and likely reseat valves, R&R guides and seals.

Ta just HAD t' go an' TOUCH it, didn't ya! :smirk:

 

[mgnewbie]

i sure did Doc...Actually, I wasn't messing with the head...just following Bentley procedures removing the rockers to change out the camshaft, i had to loosen the head bolts in sequence per the manual. I think that head stud was already suffering from fatigue, i didn't even pull hard on the torque wrench it just snapped off like a twig.

Went to Ace hardware store and bought the tools. I removed the head, and drilled a 5/32" hole on the remaining stud and used a lefthand screw extractor to back out the stud...I just ordered a new head stud and a new head gasket. I looked at the valves and they look ok to me. also i did the compression test before and the results looked ok too, so i'll let the next owner worry about the valve job.... :lol:
Getting thirsty again...

 

[DrEntropy]

Good plan. Do only the work necessary to allow you to see th' back of it. :wink:

 

[mgnewbie]

Hap, It broke about 1/4" into the block. Torque wrench was set at 50 lb-ft. The Bentley spec say 45 to 50 lb-ft.
I think the stud was bad. When I was torqing it, I felt very little resistance from the start....it kept going and going, and then suddenly popped. I think I will set the wrench to 45 lb-ft next time around...

 

[bgbassplyr]

I don't use no stinkin torque wrench. Just tighten it until it get 'loose', and then back off a half turn.

 

[Darwin]

Musta been one of those "torque to yield" headbolts. Never have understood those stupid things. :eeek:

 

[JPSmit]

I don't use no stinkin torque wrench. Just tighten it until it get 'loose', and then back off a half turn.

I think I found your problem