Engine Mount Problem... Bolts that hold bracket Sheared!!!!!

[dr.strangelove]

I looked at my motor mount brackets today, to replace them with brand new bolts, brackets, and IE motor mounts. I had everything set up to swap it out, and i jacked the car up. Low and behold the bolts that connect the the driver's side engine mount bracket to the block have sheared right in half, and the threaded portion is in the block. I am the second owner, and had I known about this issue prior to them breaking, I would have switched them out in a timely manner.

My question is this,

Do i dare to take it into a shop and find out how much to have them re-tapped(also how much should I expect to pay for something of this nature), do i try some method to retap myself (ideas welcome), or do i start to consider some sort of upgrade?

The reason I mention upgrade, is that the engine is old, and i was planning on doing some things down the road, but this starts to create much brainstorming.

Any help or ideas would be appreciated as im in a depressed state until I can figure out a route of action to take to rectify this, as I would like to keep the car.

I will try to get some photos sooner or later if requested or needed to clear this up if any.

Thanks, Joe.

[dr.strangelove]

bump, any help?

[DEV0 E30]

The motor mount sheared?
? =


(edit)

You mean the brackets that bolt into the block...
I have no idea how much that would cost to be fixed.
Sorry I can't help.

[dr.strangelove]

yeah, its a bit of a quandry.

I do not have the slighest what to do... argh.

[EverWiser]

Get everything in the area of your sheared bolts removed and out of your way, drill the center of the sheared bolts with the largest drill bit you can without hitting the threads, then use the largest "easyout" that will fit to remove the bolts. Start with a small drill bit first to get your hole centered then step up to a larger bit. A shop will charge you BIG $$$ to do it; you can do it yourself if you take your time with it. Just my .02...

[EverWiser]

Sorry...PC acted up...Disregard this one.

[Brew]

You're going to have to use a bolt extractor- basically you drill a hole in the middle of the broken bolt, and use a left-hand threaded extractor to back the stud out. You can get them at any good hardware store.

[Brew]

Ha!

[dr.strangelove]

they both sound like good ideas ( the same....) i will try to do that, but getting to the hole might be a bit of an issue. tool shopping it is! thank god its only one side.

[EverWiser]

You could always buy/rent a right-angle drill...That might allow you to get at them easier...Just a thought.

[AdamF 88iS]

Have you tried just getting a small screw driver or something and turning the part that's still in the block? They wont be tight since they are broken off, theres always a chance they will turn out easily without going to all that trouble.

[DEV0 E30]

If you have the time/ability to plan for the engine swap, I'd start working towards that. If you don't want your old and tired m20.

[dr.strangelove]

i certainly have the time/ability, but the money is the biggest issue/problem. i will try to attempt to remove these bolts to the best of my ability, as i have the car jacked up and on stands for the time being. i willl try to get all these necessary tools, after i attempt to simply remove them.

god willing this will work out, and if not, S50/S52 or bust!

[JRowe]

Before you do all the drilling, try this if any of the remaining bolt is exposed or even flush with the block. Take a dremel with a cutting wheel and cut a slot in the exposed part of the bolt. Try unscrewing with a flat head screwdriver. If possible get liquid wrench on the threads to make it easier.

[dr.strangelove]

it was sheared flush with the block. I know about that method we do it often here at teh bike shop, but its just not in the cards.
damn.