1987mazdarx7

i replaced my fuel pump and when i took the 8 bolts out of the top of the thing that attatches onto the tank i couldnt unscrew them. i tried everything under the sun. any way bottom line is i drilled them out and now i cant seem to get the rest of the bolt out to install new ones and reattach the top of the piece that goes on the tank. any suggestions on how to take the bolts out?

buttsjim

A small EZ-out should work just fine, especially since you've already drilled them out a bit. Make sure and soak them all in penetrant.

buttsjim

FYI...

http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/produ...seBVCookie=Yes

http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/produ...seBVCookie=Yes

1987mazdarx7

tried it. its just the bolt part. there is no head. plus i tried that plus vice grips and some other stuff.

buttsjim

EZ outs are meant for the application you describe. You have to drill down into the body of the bolt a small ways (probably about 3/8" for those screws). You insert the tool in the hole you drilled and then, when you turn it out, the flutes on the tool grip the walls of the new hole and turn the broken bolt out.

They work very well, and it won't take you long to do those 8 small bolts, if you soak them first.

1987mazdarx7

i will try again but it just made it a mess before. and yeah welding in a gas tank with fuel= bad

Dr4900n

You just need MORE PENETRATION!

lol

Make sure you are using real penetrating lube and not WD40.

Aaron Cake

iTrader: (1)

See this topic:

https://www.rx7club.com/forum/showth...rant+fuel+pump

My5ABaby

iTrader: (7)

If they didn't come out with a phillips head, I got a flat head, hammered in grooves, and unscrewed them. If that hadn't of worked...

1987mazdarx7

no no you guys dont understand. the pump is out and replaced but i drilled the bolts out. i need to get the remains of the bolts out. its like a little peg with threads. and vice grips dont work or easy out.

Nismo Convert86

iTrader: (7)

I had best luck using Vise-Grips, just clamp it on tight, and turn slowly, don't jerk it, or you will break the remaining threads. An otherway to get it out would be to doube nut the threads if you can figure out the thread size.

1987mazdarx7

theres not enough there to bolt it on. the other thing i thought about was just drilling h remainder out and either using a ap and die set or sheet metal screw and putting new ones in.

Nismo Convert86

iTrader: (7)

I wouldn't use sheet metal screws, it just makes a mess, drain the fuel, drill and tap the holes for a M6 bolt, tap that to the pitch you can find easily, or use a SAE thread, and call it a day.

After you have it tightened down I would remove it, run a magnet around the tank and get all the shavings out, maybe fill the tank with water aswell.

1987mazdarx7

how easiy is it to take the tank right out.it would be easier for me to work on?

Nismo Convert86

iTrader: (7)

Undo the fuel lines (I'm sure you have already), undo the vent, and fill tube on the pass. side of the tank, then undo the 2 straps, I don't remember the size of the bolts holding them on, but 14mm rings a bell.

1987mazdarx7

perfect thanks man i might do that tonight!!!

buttsjim

I don't understand why you can't drill into the bolt enough to use an ez out, unless the bolt is broken well below the mounting surface.

As an alternative, there is a tool called a "Quick Center" that allows you to center your drill exactly. You drill a pilot hole using the tool, and then drill progressively larger holes until only the threads are left. Then, you just spiral the threads out. That said, I'm not sure if they make a size small enough for those bolts.

Aaron Cake

iTrader: (1)

Keep in mind that even an empty gas take is VERY dangerous to work around. If you even think you are going to create sparks, make it someone else's problem. Check the yellow pages for "tank repair". When you drop off the tank, notice that most of the workers are missing at least one finger. Ask them why....