Today I was installing a new water pump on my 1999 grand Prix. When tightening the bolts one of them snapped off. Now the pump leaks from that broken bolt. I was wondering if I would be able to stop the leak using some sort of sealant or would I have to take the car in to get the bolt removed?
The bolts around the pump have several reasons and one of them is for proper mounting, another is when engine cooling system and block expand when engine is running gaskets dont leak, ect. Yes, that bolt has to be removed, so that bolt hole can be used. If you have enough mechanical ability to remove and replace the pump, with the proper tools, you could do it.
Go the your local hardware store and ask them for a bolt extractor kit. You will need to drill into the center of the bolt about 1/2 inch and then change the bit to the extractor that's in the kit. Try to keep the drill level and back it out slowly. Don't forget to get a new bolt also.
Putting sealant on it might stop it from leaking for a while, but that's not a good fix. If you seal it up and it doesn't work, it could end up being a huge repair. In addition, what if a temp fix leaks profusely at the worse time. The best thing is to take it apart and fix it right.
You will need to remove the water pump and see how far down the bolt broke. You may be able to get hold of the bolt with vice grips and get it out. Worse case you will have to drill it out and re-cut the thread or use a bolt extraction tool, you simply drill a hole smaller than the bolt and the extraction tool turns the opposite way to the bolt thread and as it gets tight its meant to loosen the bolt in question. I have done this many times and it dose not always work so you may need a professional to do it.
