Broke bolt tip

[spindle]

Though I'd share something I worked out yesterday. When I removed my valve cover for the 1st time 3 bolts broke. I got lucky that all of them broke off above the head. The one by the breather cap was only about a ¼ inch exposed. After soaking all 3 in PB Blaster for 24 hours, I got them to move about a ½ a turn with vise-grips. I sprayed them again and went away for an hour. I was able to back 2 of them out using the vise-grips. When one started to feel tight I'd spray it and work on the other one for awhile. Patience and lots of penetrating oil is the trick. The one next to the breather cap was harder to get too and the vise-grips were just chewing up the end of the bolt.
Went to Sears and got a Power Bolt-out set for 15 bucks on sale. http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?cat=Hand+Tools%2C+General+Purpose&pid=0 0952168000&vertical=TOOL&subcat=Bolt-Out%2C+Taps+%26+Dies&BV_UseBVCookie=Yes
I took the time to clean all around the bolt removing all of the gasket and other crud that was there. Moved 1 coil out of the way and using a long 3/8 extension with a ¼ socket, drove the #0 size down on to the bolt. Then using a ratchet the bolt came right out.

[chiphead]

That Power Bolt out set looks like an interesting solution. Thanks for the tip.
I'd be interested to hear from anyone else that has used this.

[t3rmin]

Hey those do look kinda nifty. Gotta have some remaining meat to grab on to, though, which is often not the case.

[chuckycheese]

Cool!

I've never heard of these but they look like a great idea....but, I have a question. If there only 5 in the set, it seems like there would be a good chance that one would be too small and the next size would be too big. How does that work???

[salty_monk]

They are a tapered spiral.....

Great for rounded off bolt heads.

Dan

[gsgeezer]

Sounds like a good idea. Also, don't forget Kroil. I haven't broken a bolt (yet) since I have used it, but I hate to say that, 'cause I know what will happen.