Darn bolt!! (A beginning rotorhead story)
 

I got my second Rx-7 a month or so ago. A 1982 GS with a crappy paint job, beautiful interior and about 96,000 for $600.

I got all of the fuilds/filters changed and it ran with no problems. After about a week, I noticed that it was running a little hot, even when I didn't run her hard. I looked around and there were no coolant leaks. Got the temperature guage checked out and it works.

A few days later, while I pulling into my house and thinking about the temp gauge, my Coolant Warning light came on. Now I knew there was a leak and popped open the hood to see if I could find something. I was greeted with a small puff of white smoke and a sizzling sound. Looking at the engine block I saw a coolant boiling out through a bad water pump gasket.

I ordered a new water gasket, thermastat gasket and thermastat and a few other things from Black Dragon(A+ Shopping Experience). I got the parts in less than a week(last Thursday 8/9)!!!

So this last weekend, I replaced the water pump gasket. I thought it was going to be a pain but it was actually really easy. Next, was the therastat. I have replaced about 10 of these all in different makes and models of cars/trucks. It is pretty simple thing to do now. The bolts looks pretty crusted so I sprayed them down with penetration oil just to make it easier to take them off.

The first one came off with no problem. I try the second one and the bolt head comes right off. I didn't put any strength into it. It was almost like the last person to work on it serious over tightened it or something. I was beyond ticked off. I understand something breaking if you abuse it but I thought I did everything right. A stewed about it for a 5 minutes, then started laughing.

So now I am left here, reseaching of the net on how to remove a headless bolt and a Rx-7 down. Thankfully, it is not my daily driver yet so I am not vehicleless.

Anyways, just wanted to share and vent. Figured some of you might have experienced this issue and might have any stories or helpful hints for the future.

Thanks

I've got some advise for you...
don't do that again.
Seriously though, I like to give every bolt a smack or two with a hammer. I don't know if it loosens anything up, but at least it lets them know who's boss in these here parts.

If its sticking out some get a vice grip on after applying some heat from a small hand torch (like a plumbers torch). Otherwise use an easy out or cut a slot with a dremel and use a large screw driver.

Heat and penetraing oil are your friends with old cars:-)

Since the head came off you can at least remove the T-stat housing and use some mild heat and vice grips to remove that bolt. Also when putting new bolts in use anit-sieze compound so it doesnt happen again. It's happened to all of us at one point or another. Good luck!

If all else fails, drill the bolt, and tap the hole to fit a new bolt in.
Like stated before, old cars will always have bolts somewhere that don't wanna cooperate, gotta show em who's the boss.

Or use an e-z-out/extractor.....broken bolt removing tools are pretty cheap....

its easier if you take the entire housing out of the car. Also, take note that there are 2 paper-thin shims. Remember the location and not to loose it either. Coz if you forget, it will be a unforgettable experience.

Thermo housing yo....the 2 12's.

what do you mean wacky...

iv ditched those shimms and used sealent never had a bad experince??

It would probalby work without them, but they are there to avoid stress cracks from forming since the hosuing will sit crooked without them....

:icon_tup:

:icon_tup: :icon_tup:
cool thanks..:)

yeah , like the 3 out of 4 lower fender bolts i ripped off today >.<:icon_no2:

might be a good idea if you have access to metric taps to chase the threads before you run that bolt back in. the constant heat cycling might have slightly distorted the hole. or just glob on some anti-seize and be done with it!!

Everyone else pretty much nailed the bolt.....:D

Only advice I have is about your purchase from Black Dragon Auto. They do not sell OEM thermostats. I bought one from them awhile ago and was met with a crappy aftermarket one. I would recommend buying one from Mazda or www.mazdatrix.com. The use of a non-OEM thermostat will lead to higher operating temperatures.

Good luck