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Hello, world!

So I gave my Civic a nice tuneup for Christmas (dist cap, ignition rotor, fuel filter, air filter, spark plugs and wires).

I was in the process of putting the new dist cap in place when I noticed two of the bolts would not screw back in. I wound up taking a closer look, and realized two of the original bolts had snapped off in the metal distributor housing, and would not allow the new ones to screw into place. The bolts that snapped off are nearly flush on both sides of the metal flange they screw into, so I was not able to get a pair of pliers on them to remove them.


I was hoping I could get some ideas on how to remove the broken bolts, or if you guys have any other suggestions on how to proceed. As there is still one bolt holding down the cap pretty well, I was thinking of just applying some high temp RTV or caulk around the edges. However, I'd really prefer to fix this properly.

I did a quick search, and the housing (part # 30105-P2E-A12) goes for more than $275. I'd really prefer not to have to spend that kind of money on a couple snapped bolts.


Thanks for any tips or advice!

Woody

 
Rep Power: 244

To get the bolt out I would try an E-Z out. It's a reverse drill bit that will unscrew the bolt while you drill into it. I used one before and it worked great!

http://www.tools-plus.com/irwin-5353...bleMobile=true

Should have them at local hardware store.

 
Rep Power: 0

Given the age of the car, and the likelihood of more bolts snapping in the future, that's not a bad idea.

Thanks, GolNat!

 
Rep Power: 518

EZ-Out? Doubt that will do much good if they were seized in the housing.




A set of small drills, centerpunch, a good eye, an abundance of patience, and a tap.
Experience is valuable here too.

 
Rep Power: 0

As it's cheap (and relatively idiot proof) I think I may try the EZ out method before getting too serious with this. I have a full can of PB Blaster here too, so I'll try to soak them for a few days before I try to remove them.