How To Remove a Broken Bolt from an Engine Block [The Right Way]

If you work on your car yourself, it is no surprise that there are things that tend to go wrong. One of these things is when you break engine block bolts accidentally.

Engines are a very important part of your vehicle. If it isn’t properly maintained or in top shape, the vehicle doesn’t perform well.

Broken engine block bolts aren’t the worst problem you can have. It is relatively easy to remove them from your engine block. 

1. Spring-loaded Center Punch

One good method to remove the broken bolt is the spring-loaded center punch. It may need a couple of tools to perform. 

You want to do the first drill on the center of the bolt. You should use a hardened drill bit for this step. 

Using the center punch, look for a grip on the bolt. This is to prevent your drill from wandering. 

Then, you can increase the size of the drill bit. Remember to drill slowly and take your time to be able to get the bolt out in one piece. 

You can insert and move around a magnetic screwdriver where you drilled your hole from time to time. This is to get any metal particles that the drilling may leave behind. 

After completing these steps, you can use a screw extractor or a mole grip to remove the broken bolt. This step should be done as carefully as possible. 

2. Welding

Another method you can do is by welding the broken bolt. You need a couple of tools for this one as well. 

The first thing to do is ensure that the broken bolt area is well sanitized. It will make the welding process stick a little better. 

Next, you will need a washer or nut with the same inside diameter as the broken bolt. The diameter is important because it needs to be a snug fit to the bolt.

Then you can start welding the nut to the broken bolt. Once you see that it is secure, you can begin to try removing the bolt.

Remember to do this carefully to prevent further weld or bolt breaking. 

3. Engine Block

The engine block is the mainframe of the engine to which all the pistons and components are attached. Other parts found here are the intake and exhaust passages, crankcases, coolant passages, and other inner components. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How to Remove Stuck Engine Block Bolts?

Stuck engine block bolts are usually the cause of a dirty engine block. Dirt, grime, and oil tend to build up in the engine and make some lines clogged, and bolts stuck. 

You can purchase lubricants and rust removers that can help loosen stuck bolts. You just need to apply the solution around the bolt and let it sit. 

After a few minutes, you can clean the surrounding area and try to loosen the bolt using a wrench. 

How often should Engines be serviced?

It depends on what will be done at the shop. Most engines need to be serviced once a year or every 12,000 miles. 

Engines need a lot of fluids as well. Engine oil, coolants, water, and other additives need changing more often. 

Oil changes are best if scheduled every 6 months or 5,000 miles. It depends on the schedule of when you drive your vehicle and the climate it is stored in. 

Which engine is more durable?

Diesel engines last longer compared to petrol engines. Diesel engines have a different system for fuel combustion that is more rugged. 

It tends to have lesser parts that can malfunction and withstand constant compression from its pistons.