Water Pump Bolt

[Rjtenorman]

Hi all, I have recently acquired a cabriolet with a 1600 K series engine. It came with very little service history so I decided to change the cambelt. Everything has gone well untill I tried to remove the water pump! The bolt through the rear cambelt cover, beside the dipstick, has previously been rounded, probably by being over tightened. I have tried everything to get it out without success. My question is does this bolt only screw into the water pump or does it also screw into the engine casing. If I cut the head off the bolt will it then pull through, when I pull out the water pump. Any other suggestions welcome.
Thanks

Richard

[RoverRevival]

irwins bolt extractors or Torx sockets work well for us when that happens

[Rjtenorman]

I borrowed a set of those from my local mechanic friend, but still wouldn't work. Couldn't get enough pressure on the socket to grip the bolt

[RoverRevival]

the alternative is a file or multi tool or dremil to cut some new hex slots in. they will be small but there shouldn't be that much pressure on the bolt to put up much of a fight.

[Rjtenorman]

I'll give that a go tomorrow or Thursday. Thanks

[itcaptainslow]

From memory the bolt you speak of attaches the timing cover to the water pump body-that’s it. Access can be improved immensely by removing the inlet manifold.

[Rjtenorman]

Thanks for that. Hopefully I won't have to remove the inlet manifold, but I did think that would help a lot.

[alviseven]

weld a new nut to the head oversize so you can weld down the middle. Added bonus the head cracks the thread if its seized as well.
Assumes you have a welder but arc or MIG will do job.

[Rjtenorman]

Good idea but not sure I trust my welding skills in such a confined space

[itcaptainslow]

Thanks for that. Hopefully I won't have to remove the inlet manifold, but I did think that would help a lot.

If you’re draining the coolant anyway (which you will be to replace the water pump) it really isn’t much additional work.

[Rjtenorman]

Thanks, coolant is already drained, I'll definitely look at the manifold over the next couple of days