Technical Thermostat Bolt Sheared

[fatty]

Went out to replace my heater matrix thermostat and give the coolant system a flush out today. Removed the radiator and flushed it no probs, fitted the heater matrix no probs, went to remove the thermostat and the bolt sheared.......BUGGER!! Now its still held in with one bolt and I've put the coolant system back together bled it and ran the car upto temp until the fan cut in and it seems fine with no leakage.....Do you think I'll be alright....its just I can't afford to be carless or to get the head whipped off and drilled out??

Only need it to be till the end of the month???

 

[fingers99]

Chances are it'll be fine.

The way I'd fix it (given that there's any of the old bolt protruding when the stat is off) would be to TIG or MIG a bolt on the end. The heat will almost certainly break the seal (generally caused by corrosion) between the head and the thread and it'll just screw out.

Much quicker and easier than drilling and re-tapping.

 

[fatty]

I like your thinking Mr Fingers!! Especially as I've just got my welder serviced!!

 

[randomizered]

Why don't you take the stat off, put some mole grips on the remaining stud and remove? Its not worth the risk if you ask me. Give teh thermostat a good old tug and yank, to see if leaks then...if not, you may be able to chance it.

REmoving the stat will not loose all you coolant, and the stuff that does leak, can mostly be saved.

Kristian

 

[fatty]

I don't mind losing the coolant as when the thermostat is removed I'll be flushing the whole system. Gave it a yank and its not leaking at the moment. Will try to sort the car one day this week... Thanks for your help people