SHEARED BOLT

One of the water pump bolts has somehow fractured on my Crossflow — it’s the one that holds the alternator bracket and water pump to the block. There isn’t enough thread to nip it up, so somehow I’ve got to get the broken bolt out of the block. I was hoping it can be done with the engine in the car by removing my radiator for easier access.

What’s the best way to remove the sheared-off bolt from within the block as I’ve heard Easy Outs can snap off and leave you in an even worse state. I’m scared about messing the block up if I get it wrong. James King Email A There are a couple of ways to extract the bolt. Before you try either though, soak it for a day or two in lots of penetrating oil (or any old oil will do) to aid the job of extracting it.

The first method is to use a dot punch (or small chisel) and hammer, and try and tap the bolt round on the threads. It’s painfully slow but can be effective.

The second route is to use easy-outs aka stud extractors, as you’ve already mentioned. Drill a small hole in the centre of the bolt and then wind in the Easy Out to draw the bolt out. They do work if you’re careful and take your time.