In removing the timing belt plastic covers from my Mk1, one of the bolt heads snapped
The bolt head snapped on pretty much the first turn so there is enough space to get vice grips/double nuts etc. on to it with the cover out of the way.
I tried vice grips first, and the metal cylinder surrounding the bolt (pictured) came away, leaving the headless bolt behind, it won’t grip with vice grips and the double nut stud extractor method was doing nothing - this is in addition to penetrating fluid, so wondered if anyone had any advice?
I’ve taken some (poor) photos of the belt as it looks in good condition (I have no record of change but the rubber looks good as do the teeth, but it has a white chalk powder on it) so wondered if anyone else thought it still alright to keep using or whether it’s worth doing while everything is dismantled so I know when it was all done:
@Skadgeer has there been a water leak - looks like dried coolant or salts of some kind on the belt in the images? Although tensoners & spring look okay… Suggest changing, as at least you’ll know for future reference and peace of mind. On the sheared bolt could try warming up the engine first and heaps of spray before next attempt. Otherwise drilling pilot hole and using bolt removal tool. Good luck!
Thanks for the reply.
Not in my ownership, however I did wonder given how corroded the broken bolt is (presumably) and the very corroded cover bolt that goes next to the water pump impeller. That said, everything else looks clean.
I wasn’t sure if putting heat on aluminium was going to damage it or not, also given the smell of petrol fumes with the hoses open I’m a little wary of using flame (no heat gun).
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If it where me, I’d change the belt and then just not worry about the bolt and leave it without one, if I had time I’d remove the radiator and drill it out. If your doing the timing belt you may as well change the water pump so removing ye rad isn’t that much more of a step.
Inspite of trying heat and penetrating fluid, sadly the 2-3cm of bolt still didn’t turn and instead has now snapped off flush with the engine.
My inability to drill a straight hole (even when using punches, guides etc. definitely makes the repair a garage job now.
Thats a pain sorry to hear that @Skadgeer the bolt looked very rusty and i think you’re right it had been that way for a while, hence refusal to do the right thing and get out!
I’ve had quite a few mx5 , never changed a belt and never had one snap .
