Broken stud

[Irv 115]

Just picked up a 99 314-8 with the Kohler Command that has a broken stud where the muffler attaches. I can just get the tip of vise grips on what's left (about 1/8 in. and of course can't turn it out. I suppose the next step is to drill it out (unless someone has another idea). How far in should I drill? thanks for your thoughts.

[KC9KAS 4,741]

Heat it up with a torch and then touch it with wax. The wax will melt into the threads and "lubricate" it so you can turn it out.

 

I recently welded a nut to a broken stud and then did the wax trick. Used a 3/8" drive ratchet and backed the sucker right out!

[Wayne 28]

tap it with a ball peen hammer, use a cut off wheel on a die grinder to cut a slot and and impact driver in the slot before you get too crazy drilling , like turning out a screw. tapping it should loosen any rust that is holding it in...

[clem 28]

Heat & wax

[km3h 543]

If you have to drill it out, be very careful. Don't break off a drill bit. They are very hard and will cause you real problems. Drill in steps going to a larger bit slowly. If there is enough room to weld a not or a smaller diameter bold, that's what I'd do. Next best choice is the heat and wax job then cut a slot and impact wrench. Studs are usually made of high tinsel steel and don't drill easily.

[specialwheelhorse 174]

If all else fails find a shop in the area that has what I call a tap burner

It will burn out anything no matter how hard that's why it's called a tap burner

Used in the aircraft industry, not a fancy machine but takes all the

Falderal out of the whole deal. I worked at united aircraft for ten years

So I know this little machine saved them much money.

[Irv 115]

Thanks for your help guys. I'll try the tap, heat and wax method first and see what happens.

[Irv 115]

Tried the heat and wax, no luck. Are we sure that it is threaded in? On the other stud, I can see that the treads for the bolt to hold the muffler on stop about 1/8 " from the block.

[Racinbob 10,382]

Yes, it's threaded in per the parts manual for that motor.

[Irv 115]

You're right Racin, just looked it up myself. thanks

[Racinbob 10,382]

You bet Irv. Good luck getting that thing out of there. I don't have any ideas better than what's been mentioned already.

[Wayne 28]

do you have access to a oxy acetyline torch? heating it might make it release... just don't go melting anyting

[km3h 543]

I bet you would be surprised at how cheaply you could get that fixed at a local machine shop. Another Idea would be to weld a bolt to it and then cut the head off. Then you just put a nut on it and be done.