How to remove rounded water pump bolt? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

jmil1974 · 03-29-2003, 10:19 PM

Yes, this is related to my other thread.

This sh!t never ends. Why can't it ever be simple for me?

:p

Class of 69 · 03-29-2003, 10:41 PM

Is there any thing left of the head to get a bite on??? I use a 6 point socket only, and in your case I would recommend an impact socket to minimize distortion of the socket. I've gotten a few well rounded heads loose with that combination. If that fails, you can try a good visegrip, if there is room. Last, but not least, try rotating it a little to break it loose with a cold chisel held at an angle in the direction of rotation to remove said SOB bolt. These things are kind of like women... if they don't come easy, bang them a little harder!!!

chucks70 · 03-29-2003, 10:42 PM

Don't know if you can get to it in the correct angle or not, but last time I had one rounded I center punched it and drilled the head off of it. Then I removed the part it was holding, heated the "stud" that was left and used a good set of vice grips to remove it. Took a little time but it worked.

sakohntr · 03-29-2003, 11:25 PM

Grind or plasma cut the head off and then remove with vice grips after the pump leaves.....

**too much stuff** · 03-29-2003, 11:27 PM

O.K. Worst case. if you have access to a wirefeed welder, hold a nut on the end of bolt(not with fingers!) and weld it on there through center of nut. Try socket or wrench after that. Another possibility , cut head off bolt remove pump and try vise grips on remaining stud. Hope this helps.

jmil1974 · 03-29-2003, 11:51 PM

Good advice (and laughs)! Thanks, fellas!

Southpa · 03-30-2003, 05:24 AM

I just bought a set of "Bolt-Out" Damaged bolt/nut remover set made by Craftsman. Looks like a socket but has hard tempered reversed spiral flutes inside to dig into that rounded bolt head.

Gordo · 03-30-2003, 11:01 AM

This is a 3/8 bolt with a 9/16 hex head? You can also try a six point 14 mm socket, it may fit tight so tap it on all the way with a hammer first. Working on older trucks makes six point sockets a necessity.

PanelDeland · 03-30-2003, 11:21 AM

If you cut the head off try alittle wax of penetrating oil on the stud while it's still hot.This will help wick some of the lube into the threads and make it easier to get out.

mooneyes · 03-30-2003, 12:02 PM

......one of the best tools i ever bought is a set of channel-lock nut busters..used to be called parrot nose pliers back in the day..not sure if you could get them into a water pump bolt but when these things bite they dont let go..they work 100 times better than vise-grips..

Longhorn Man · 03-30-2003, 01:29 PM

How ever you end up getting it off, make sure you put some anti-seize compound on there when re-installing the pump.

tom hand · 03-30-2003, 03:26 PM

Is it only one bolt? If it is, take the other three out and rotate the water pump. It will proably loosen it enough to get it out with pliers

*racedvl* · 03-30-2003, 03:39 PM

Did ya get it off. . . ?

Class of 69 · 03-30-2003, 05:44 PM

probably what he's doing, seeing his avatar.... oh, you meant the bolt???!!

*Gee_Emm* · 03-30-2003, 08:12 PM

Try "turning it" with a hammer and chisel. Works sometimes.

rusty ol' 69' · 03-30-2003, 09:35 PM

Try swearing a lot and then beating the sh!t out of the head with a hammer. Then call it a mother lovin sum of a beetch. Then hit it some more then spray some kroil in there and swear some more. Then get out the sledge and wack it. Then laugh out loud to no one in particular. Then get an angle grinder and cut the head off.

jmil1974 · 03-30-2003, 10:21 PM

LOL! Thanks, guys. The 6 point sockets did the job, had a 14mm ready too. I put some teflon tape on the bolts and some extra RTV around the block area and VOILA! no more leaky (Fingers crossed). Thanks, guys. I thought I was never going to get her going, and with some roofing jobs coming up, I needed her.

Thanks again for the help!!

Jason

casey · 03-31-2003, 10:48 PM

jmil1974 You got work, right on, and are you keeping your truck, I hope so.

oldsub86 · 03-31-2003, 11:56 PM

I know this is basically a dead post since you got the bolt out but I am going to add this anyway. I have a friend who used to be a professional mechanic (he gave it up and bought a restaurant - go figure). He says the best way to get things like this out is to weld a nut or bolt onto it if you can get at it to do so. he says the heat from the welding will usually break it loose so that you can easily turn it out.

Class of 69 · 03-31-2003, 11:57 PM

Glad to hear you got it repaired!!

krue · 04-01-2003, 12:02 AM

First weld a washer to the stud and then weld a nut to the washer. Easier than just welding the nut to the stud!

03-29-2003, 10:19 PM	#1
jmil1974 Ain't we cute? Join Date: May 2002 Location: Friendswood, TX Posts: 700	How to remove rounded water pump bolt? Yes, this is related to my other thread. This sh!t never ends. Why can't it ever be simple for me? :p __________________ 69 C10 2WD LWB Fleet 350/350 power front disc conversion (6 lug disc kit from gmcpauls) and new engine, PS, A/C, fresh fluids, SHE DRIVES! FOR SALE $3900

03-29-2003, 10:41 PM	#2
Class of 69 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Stillwater MN Posts: 1,166	Is there any thing left of the head to get a bite on??? I use a 6 point socket only, and in your case I would recommend an impact socket to minimize distortion of the socket. I've gotten a few well rounded heads loose with that combination. If that fails, you can try a good visegrip, if there is room. Last, but not least, try rotating it a little to break it loose with a cold chisel held at an angle in the direction of rotation to remove said SOB bolt. These things are kind of like women... if they don't come easy, bang them a little harder!!! __________________ 69 GMC K10 ..some restoration required....still..

03-29-2003, 10:42 PM	#3
chucks70 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Cadiz, OH Posts: 628	Don't know if you can get to it in the correct angle or not, but last time I had one rounded I center punched it and drilled the head off of it. Then I removed the part it was holding, heated the "stud" that was left and used a good set of vice grips to remove it. Took a little time but it worked. __________________ 68 1 ton dually 292, 2001 Sebring, 2004 Trailblazer, 11 Camaro Convertible.

03-29-2003, 11:25 PM	#4
sakohntr Registered User Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Floodwood Minnesota Posts: 1,057	bolt Grind or plasma cut the head off and then remove with vice grips after the pump leaves..... __________________ 1967 K30 Napco 292/SM420 original paint 30k miles 1968 K60 Napco 396/5spd. dbl frame 52" michelins 1969 K10 SWB GMC 454/4spd 6" 35's posi,hooks 1972 C30 longhorn,BB/AT,A/C,Tilt,Toolbox,lokr 1987 K20 Chevrolet Suburban. 6" lift. 5.7L/TH400 1979 K60 GMC Coleman 4x4, 427/Allison.

03-29-2003, 11:27 PM	#5
too much stuff Roadtrip! Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Grand Rapids MN Posts: 13,813	bad bolt O.K. Worst case. if you have access to a wirefeed welder, hold a nut on the end of bolt(not with fingers!) and weld it on there through center of nut. Try socket or wrench after that. Another possibility , cut head off bolt remove pump and try vise grips on remaining stud. Hope this helps.

03-29-2003, 11:51 PM	#6
jmil1974 Ain't we cute? Join Date: May 2002 Location: Friendswood, TX Posts: 700	Good advice (and laughs)! Thanks, fellas! __________________ 69 C10 2WD LWB Fleet 350/350 power front disc conversion (6 lug disc kit from gmcpauls) and new engine, PS, A/C, fresh fluids, SHE DRIVES! FOR SALE $3900

03-30-2003, 05:24 AM	#7
Southpa Registered User Join Date: May 2000 Location: Victoria, BC, Canada Posts: 2,409	I just bought a set of "Bolt-Out" Damaged bolt/nut remover set made by Craftsman. Looks like a socket but has hard tempered reversed spiral flutes inside to dig into that rounded bolt head. __________________ 1970 GMC 1500 Custom Original 350/TH350 Victoria, BC, Canada You can wish in one hand and crap in the other. See which one gets filled first.

03-30-2003, 11:01 AM	#8
Gordo Registered User Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Killingworth, CT. USA Posts: 3,378	This is a 3/8 bolt with a 9/16 hex head? You can also try a six point 14 mm socket, it may fit tight so tap it on all the way with a hammer first. Working on older trucks makes six point sockets a necessity. __________________ 1971 C10 swb stepside 350/700R4/3.73posi (retired as of 4/22/03) 1998 S10 short bed 2002 S10 Blazer 1942 Oldsmobile 1958 Massey Harris Pony 1951 Wife Killingworth, Connecticut May those who love us, love us, any of those who do not love us, may God turn their hearts. And if God is unable to turn their hearts, may he turn their ankles so we may know them by their limping. A man who works with his hands is a laborer; a man who works with his hands and his brain is a craftsman; but a man who works with his hands and his brain and his heart is an artist.

03-30-2003, 11:21 AM	#9
PanelDeland I am a Referee of life. Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Greensboro N.C. Posts: 13,992	If you cut the head off try alittle wax of penetrating oil on the stud while it's still hot.This will help wick some of the lube into the threads and make it easier to get out. __________________ The 47-present Chevrolet and GMC Truck Message Board Network,it's owners,moderators,members,and associates of any type should not be held responsible for my opinion. You can't fix stupid,not even with duct tape. "My appearance is due to the fact that "GOD" does punish you for having too much fun!" Barrett-Jackson has perfected alchemy,they make rust into gold! "You can lead a horse to water but you can't saddle a duck" "Cleverly disguised as a 'Responsible Adult' "Sometimes your Knight in shining armor is just a retard in tinfoil"

03-30-2003, 12:02 PM	#10
mooneyes Registered User Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Slippery Rock PA USA Posts: 1,692	......one of the best tools i ever bought is a set of channel-lock nut busters..used to be called parrot nose pliers back in the day..not sure if you could get them into a water pump bolt but when these things bite they dont let go..they work 100 times better than vise-grips.. __________________ Ken Lyons, Slippery rock pa 68 short step 327 t10 4 gear 72 2wd blazer project 70 lwb 305/700r driver 78 caprice project 02 cavalier D.D ( hate it!!)

03-30-2003, 01:29 PM	#11
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,690	How ever you end up getting it off, make sure you put some anti-seize compound on there when re-installing the pump.

03-30-2003, 03:26 PM	#12
tom hand CCRider Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Olive Branch,MS,USA Posts: 2,232	Is it only one bolt? If it is, take the other three out and rotate the water pump. It will proably loosen it enough to get it out with pliers __________________ 72 GMC Sierra SWB almost finished---- 84 Softail Olive Branch MS

03-30-2003, 03:39 PM	#13
racedvl Account Suspended Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: Woodstock, IL Posts: 7,020	Did ya get it off. . . ?

03-30-2003, 05:44 PM	#14
Class of 69 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Stillwater MN Posts: 1,166	probably what he's doing, seeing his avatar.... oh, you meant the bolt???!! __________________ 69 GMC K10 ..some restoration required....still..

03-30-2003, 08:12 PM	#15
Gee_Emm Account Suspended Join Date: Sep 2000 Posts: 3,991	Try "turning it" with a hammer and chisel. Works sometimes.



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03-30-2003, 09:35 PM	#16
rusty ol' 69' Grubbin' Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Chico, CA Posts: 293	Try swearing a lot and then beating the sh!t out of the head with a hammer. Then call it a mother lovin sum of a beetch. Then hit it some more then spray some kroil in there and swear some more. Then get out the sledge and wack it. Then laugh out loud to no one in particular. Then get an angle grinder and cut the head off. __________________ project rust attack 1969 Chevrolet LWB w/ 307. I got power steering now woohooooo!!!!!!!

03-30-2003, 10:21 PM	#17
jmil1974 Ain't we cute? Join Date: May 2002 Location: Friendswood, TX Posts: 700	LOL! Thanks, guys. The 6 point sockets did the job, had a 14mm ready too. I put some teflon tape on the bolts and some extra RTV around the block area and VOILA! no more leaky (Fingers crossed). Thanks, guys. I thought I was never going to get her going, and with some roofing jobs coming up, I needed her. Thanks again for the help!! Jason __________________ 69 C10 2WD LWB Fleet 350/350 power front disc conversion (6 lug disc kit from gmcpauls) and new engine, PS, A/C, fresh fluids, SHE DRIVES! FOR SALE $3900

03-31-2003, 10:48 PM	#18
casey Registered User Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Kelowna B.C. Canada Posts: 2,048	jmil1974 You got work, right on, and are you keeping your truck, I hope so.

03-31-2003, 11:56 PM	#19
oldsub86 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Canada Posts: 695	I know this is basically a dead post since you got the bolt out but I am going to add this anyway. I have a friend who used to be a professional mechanic (he gave it up and bought a restaurant - go figure). He says the best way to get things like this out is to weld a nut or bolt onto it if you can get at it to do so. he says the heat from the welding will usually break it loose so that you can easily turn it out. __________________ 1968 Chevy - 292 with a powerglide

03-31-2003, 11:57 PM	#20
Class of 69 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Stillwater MN Posts: 1,166	Glad to hear you got it repaired!! __________________ 69 GMC K10 ..some restoration required....still..

04-01-2003, 12:02 AM	#21
krue Designated A-hole! Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: South Mississippi Posts: 36,448	First weld a washer to the stud and then weld a nut to the washer. Easier than just welding the nut to the stud! __________________ "If it ain't broke, fix it 'til it is!" Being stupid ain't illegal. We're Still Debt Free Except for the House!!! www.daveramsey.com 70 GMC SWB Stepside project "Green Booger" soon to be 6.0l/4l80e 93 S-10 "Poppaw's Truck"

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