Neep Help ASAP Please

Hello to all. I am the very proud (now puzzled) owner of a 92 XJ Laredo. Starting last Saturday, I began what was supposed to be the simple task of replacing and upper radiator hose and t-stat. upper radiator hose came off no problem. The bottom bolt of the t-stat housing came off no problem other than fitting the serpentine belt to get to it. However, the head of the upper bolt broke off. First thing I did (other than the usual..*&%*&$#@ :banghead: ) was remove the radiator to give myself an extra 3", so now there are 6" between the condenser and the housing. So, the bolt shaft is threaded only at the end that hits the block. The housing actually came 9/10 the way off over the bolt shaft not easily, but none the less. well, the last 10th, the bolt sheared at the block. The bit that I have to drill out including the 90 degree adapter for the drill is 7.5" long. There is no way I can get in to drill it out without taking the condenser out? Is there a way to shorten the bit? Any help would be appreciated. I am up against the wall and have no clue what to do. Thanks in advance.

Hi there.
Drill bits can be cut, sharpened, and the drill tip rebuilt (after it has broken). The best way to cut a bit would be a die grinder with a cutting blade, or using one of the best inventions by man, “The Dremel”. Since most people have a Dremel (and if they don’t they should) you can buy a package of cutting disks for about $7.00.
If you don’t have a die grinder or a Dremel, then you will have to grind the hell out of it with a bench grinder (but with doing that you may take the temper out of the bit). Also check your local hardware store, you may be able to find a hacksaw blade that is hard enough to cut a bit, but I don’t think so.

Have fun.

In stead of cutting, unbolt the engine mounts and raise the engine up just enough to get at the bolt to drill it out. Are you going to try an easy-out? More than likly the threads of the bolt have got crud on them, the reason for the sheared of bolt. If you can try to work it back into the head, then try to back it out again.

Good deal. I do have a Dremel. My jeep is on a 2" lift with 31's. I do not have an engine lift, just a floor jack. Is tilting the engine going to be difficult to do with that?

Good deal. I do have a Dremel. My jeep is on a 2" lift with 31's. I do not have an engine lift, just a floor jack. Is tilting the engine going to be difficult to do with that?

You can buy left hand drill bits. I've used them alot of time the turning left plus the heat has backed the broken piece out Just a thought Dale [email protected] :2cents: