Just got done changing the water pump in my '93 Explorer Sport. One of the
bolt heads (of the 12) broke off, leaving the rest of the bolt sticking out
of the engine block. The one that broke is located in the center of the
bottom side. We used a good bit of sealant on both pieces before putting it
together with the gasket, of course. Haven't had a chance to check for how
much it is leaking, since it's dark out. Was wondering if anyone else has
had this problem, and what my chances are that it won't be a major leak.
Only reason I think it may not be bad is because there are 12 bolts holding
the pump together, instead of the 4-6 for GM vehicles, for example.
Also, any other options if it is a bad leak, other than taking it somewhere
and getting the remainder of the bolt drilled out and possibly retapped if
necessary? My father in law suggested stop leak, which I am hesitant to
use. I don't plan on keeping the vehicle for more than roughly another
year. Any input is greatly appreciated.
Jarrod
Ulysses - 03 Dec 2007 21:42 GMT
> Just got done changing the water pump in my '93 Explorer Sport. One of the
> bolt heads (of the 12) broke off, leaving the rest of the bolt sticking out
[quoted text clipped - 13 lines]
>
> Jarrod
While replacing the water pump on my '92 one of the screws broke. I drilled
a hole in it and used a screw extractor (EZ Out etc). It was not very
difficult to drill or extract. I bought a set of extractors for just a few
bucks. It think the harderst part is that you'll have to remove the
radiator again ;-) BTW somewhere on the car (front mud deflector?) I found
a replacement screw that fit that was not vital.
Beryl - 04 Dec 2007 04:04 GMT
> While replacing the water pump on my '92 one of the screws broke. I drilled
> a hole in it and used a screw extractor (EZ Out etc).
E-Z OUT BOLT AND STUD EXTRACTOR: A tool that snaps off in bolt holes and
is ten times harder than any known drill bit.
Gawd, I hate them.
Ulysses - 04 Dec 2007 18:18 GMT
> > While replacing the water pump on my '92 one of the screws broke. I drilled
> > a hole in it and used a screw extractor (EZ Out etc).
[quoted text clipped - 3 lines]
>
> Gawd, I hate them.
Yea, I've had that happen too.
Jarrod Smith - 08 Dec 2007 06:47 GMT
> Just got done changing the water pump in my '93 Explorer Sport. One of
> the bolt heads (of the 12) broke off, leaving the rest of the bolt
[quoted text clipped - 14 lines]
>
> Jarrod
Just a quick update, for anyone interested. I have been keeping an eye on
the coolant level for the past week. After adding approximately 1/2 gallon
of coolant the following day, it appears that the water pump is not leaking.
I topped the reservoir off to the cold full line 2 days ago, and the vehicle
has not used any coolant since then. I am quite relieved, because I wasn't
looking forward to finding a local shop to get the bolt drilled out and
retapped, if necessary. I will be keeing an eye on the coolant level for
the next couple of weeks, just to make sure.
Jarrod