Snapped my intake bolts for the carb boots

OK... so I bought new boots and then started taking off the old ones.. snapped 5 of 8 boot bolts!!! I have a local cnc machinist in town.. thinking of bringing him either the whole engine to work from or just the head?? any thoughts? I don't want to go further than I should. Tried backing out the snapped ones.. 33 years of sitting in there, they aren't moving at all.
What to do?

 

Removing the head involves removing the cam sprockets to that the timing chain would come off. Might as well required a new head gasket upon installation.

If ur machinist can even work on it if you bring the whole engine, its your choice on removing the head or whole engine.

In my case, I removed the whole engine rather than removing the head.

 

Try left hand drill bit, might need a 90 deg chuck.

 

You should have stopped after the first one broke.

You don't need a CNC machinist, you need a machine repairman. If he is that too, more power to him, and you.

 

For future reference...one of the keys to removing and installing those bolts is to stay straight. Any angle while trying to remove them creates a possibility for breakage. I used a straight allen head wrench that's long enough to clear the engine and a box end wrench to break mine loose (none broke).

Gary H.

 

A little late for advice now, but lots of
" knock er loose " type spray some mild heat and tapping on the bolt head with a small hammer. To loosen things up. At this point prices should be about the same to drill and retap these on the motor or just the head.

 

Depending on where the bolt snapped (flush or some sticking up) you can very likely still remove them yourself. If there is enough stud sticking out to grab with a small pipe wrench.

 

If that guy wanted to take motors apart he would be a mechanic not a machinist.
He drills and taps, you take motors apart.

 

I can't really see how you'd be able to remove the studs and helicoil holes as needed with the head in situ.The new studs will need to be straight to prevent air leaks. Imo "hang the chain" and remove the head. It'll make it a whole lot easier.

Gary H.

 

Agreed. Might even be able to pick-up a spare head with the studs intact. then work on the busted one in your spare time..

 

Actually, as a former machinist. It might actually be easier with the head/engine intact. Ask your machinist his preference.
The simple fact of drilling and retapping, helacoiling, or threadserts is that the surface must be square in all planes. Because the head will lie on the narrow side with all the exhaust side irregularities facing down it might be difficult to square and clamp true without building a jig.
OTOH, blocking and aligning an entire motor gives you much more to work with as far as securing it to the table. Completely removing the head does offer the opportunity to do a little light porting work while your there,,,,

 

I fortunately work at a dealership with some GM certified guys with lots of nice tools and more experience.. one of them works only on Corvettes. He took the engine used a left hand drill bit and got them all out and re taped them in less than 2 hrs and 1 case of beer! Saved $$ and have new gaskets and boots on!
On the carbs...should I just clean and not paint to match the engine... (using VHT metallic engine Black Pearl..high temp) They are in great working condition now.. just covered in 33 years of build up.

 

Well hell, had we known that we'd saved some breath and said,"take it to work, offer to buy one of the mechanics the poison of his pleasure and get out the way". Glad you got it sorted.

Gary H.

 

sorry... I guess I get impatient and use every possible source... then one of the guys at work offered me to bring it in... and I jumped!

 

No worries. That's what you're suppose to do. Cheers.

Gary H.

 

Don't paint the carbs. They will clean up with patience and elbow grease.

 

Notoriusfastguy
since the problem is solved. what in the hell are you talking about? put the whole engine up on the table, absurd

 

Are you reading the thread backwards?