Thermostat Help!

Hello, I was changing out the thermostat on my 2005 Limited, should have been an easy fix. However, I accidently broke one of the 3 bolts where the nuts go onto. I am looking to see if anyone has had this issue and what the best course of action would be.

 

For reference I have a photo of what I am talking about. Fig 1 is the bolt that I broke and cannot put the nut back into. Does anyone know what the thermostat goes into or what Fig 2 is called?

 

that should just be a stud, did you try just removing the stud?

 

I didnt want to get ahead of myself by doing that, was thinking of possibly trying to weld the broken piece on. But also, I have no idea where to find a new stud, I have been looking online but havent found anything concrete about it.

 

Is that the thermostat housing that has the broken stud in it?

 

No, the stud is on the part i labeled Fig 2. I dont know what its called but I have found the whole part on rockauto for $90, but not seeing if the stud itself is replaceable.

 

You can get replacement stud at most hardware stores. Looks like fairly easy access to drill and use easy out to remove stud.

 

It looks like after removing the thermostat housing, there will be about 1/2" of old stud sticking out. That should be plenty enough to get a good vice grip on it. I'm not sure if heating the stud would be beneficial since it is anchored in aluminum.

 

It's usually called a water housing or coolant manifold.

You can find replacement studs at McMaster-Carr, Fastenal, etc.

You'll want to heat up the stud with a torch to break any loctite that may have been applied at the factory. While hot, try to unscrew the stud remnant with a proper stud socket.

 

I would hit it with some PB Blaster and get a very good grip on the stud stub with a larger pair of vice grips. When you are trying to get it turning, move it back and forth. Also, be careful not to mar the flange surface with the vice grips.

 

always remember, you cant break something that is already broke. Always worth a try to get the stud out.