Frozen Water Pump Bolt?

[MART60]

After sitting for 32 years, the Factory radiator in the 74 455 leaked like Niagara Falls.

I figured I change the Water Pump before putting in the COLD CASE, but the head on the Bolt that goes through the alternator bracket was totally
stripped.

Ground it off and heat it 4 times, but it won't budge.

Now What?

Also, I took the tubes out to clean them.

What type of Sealer do you use on them?

Thanks,
Mart

 

[MART60]

I found the Tube gaskets in an Auto Zone.

Bolt is still stuck.

 

[Knightrider189]

After sitting for 32 years, the Factory radiator in the 74 455 leaked like Niagara Falls.

I figured I change the Water Pump before putting in the COLD CASE, but the head on the Bolt that goes through the alternator bracket was totally
stripped.

Ground it off and heat it 4 times, but it won't budge.

Now What?

Also, I took the tubes out to clean them.

What type of Sealer do you use on them?

Thanks,
Mart
View attachment 3406

The only thing I can think of is to keep heating, apply lots of rust penetrating spray, and a good pair of vise grips or pipe wrench.

Keep working it back and forth.

Something’s got to give, lol.


1989 Pontiac Formula Firebird, 5.7, all OEM

 

[MART60]

I've been trying to find my Little Pipe Wrench for days...

It's time to break down and buy a new one.

I hope I can find MADE IN USA on one.

Thanks, Knightrider.

 

[Knightrider189]

Another thing, if all that doesn’t work, I would drill it and use an easy out.

If that doesn’t work, the other option is to drill it out entirely and tap new threads in.

It's not a fun job, no matter which way you go.

Hopefully, the pipe wrench (with a cheater bar), heat, and penetrating oil will get it.


1989 Pontiac Formula Firebird, 5.7, all OEM

 

[MART60]

Another thing, if all that doesn’t work, I would drill it and use an easy out.

If that doesn’t work, the other option is to drill it out entirely and tap new threads in.

It's not a fun job, no matter which way you go.

Hopefully, the pipe wrench (with a cheater bar), heat, and penetrating oil will get it.


1989 Pontiac Formula Firebird, 5.7, all OEM

Another thing, if all that doesn’t work, I would drill it and use an easy out.

If that doesn’t work, the other option is to drill it out entirely and tap new threads in.

It's not a fun job, no matter which way you go.

Hopefully, the pipe wrench (with a cheater bar), heat, and penetrating oil will get it.


1989 Pontiac Formula Firebird, 5.7, all OEM

After 30 times of putting heat and Kroil to it and the Vise Grips and pipe wrench just tearing it up, I figured take the cover off. I had even ground it off Square to get a better bite.

The threads turn freely when you move the cover back and forth.

The problem is the Bolt Shaft is literally Fused to the Cover.

It acts like someone put too thick of a bolt in and that's why they rounded the head so bad.

I ground the shaft flush so there would be less length to pull the cover off of.

I can very carefully try to drill into the shaft and deteriorate it and maybe ruin the cover.

This makes me appreciate the practical design of the 450 454 I just dropped in the Vette.

 

[MART60]

 

[MART60]

After 30 times of putting heat and Kroil to it and the pipe wrench and vise grips just tearing it up, I figured pull the cover. I had even ground it off Square to get a Good Bite.
The threads turn freely in the Block when you move the cover back and forth.
The problem is the Shaft is literally Fused to the Cover.
Acts like too thick of a bolt was used and that's why they rounded the head off.
I ground it down flush, so there would be less shaft to pull the cover off of.
The only thing I can think of at this point is to very carefully try to drill into the shaft and deteriorate it.
This makes me appreciate the practical design of the 450 454 I just dropped in the Vette.

 

[MART60]

Finally, coming partially off with a giant screwdriver, thick chisel, and digging bar.

I hope it doesn't warp the cover.

 

[MART60]

Crazy...
Thanks One and All.

 

[MART60]

Finally, I pushed the cover off with a wood splitter wedge.

Threads turned by hand.

Thanks,
Mart