What do you think I should do…

[johnyrude200]

I had a water clog in the thermostat housing that required cylinder head removal. This screw was stuck, I drilled it out, and then LUCKY ME, the tap broke off in the hole right as I was finishing.

I was able to drill out the top keeping the powerhead face untouched, and luckily the threads I had made were actually salvaged. I ended up using a drive pin and a hammer to break the tap up, then carefully remove. Somehow the powerhead is still intact. I was thinking, cover it up with J-B weld, sand, paint, and call it a day? Granted, that screw may not come out again in the future, but at least it has a new head gasket.

Votes/opinions? Love it when this happens to a perfectly good running motor.

[bobprock4200]

I’d JB weld it also, just put some anti-seize compound or grease on the bolt before applying the epoxy. That way the bolt should just back out and the epoxy will form to the threads. See how long it lasts… Good Luck!

[johnyrude200]

Rethinking things, I was considering a paintable silicone. Since this exposed area is already air tight and really non-essential, using the silicone would allow the screw to be removed in the future and preserve the motor for any future repairs.

I like the idea of the grease and then applying JB Weld, may go with that since it is more rigid.

[Mumbles]

If you epoxy a stud in the hole and use a nut, you wont have to worry about worsening the already damaged threads the next time it comes apart. The proper fix is to drill and tap it for an aluminum plug which can then be drilled and tapped to accept the original fastener.

[johnyrude200]

Thanks mumbles, makes a lot of sense to do that. I like the idea of the stud with a nut moving forward. Great, great advice.

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