[kentdavies1988]

Hello everyone. You already know what problem I have based on the subject line. Very common. It's causing an engine code but the truck otherwise runs great. Is a 2007 SS bone stock.

Does anyone have any success stories or tips on extracting these bolts without pulling the heads? There is very little working room even with the inner wheel well and fender removed. On the passenger side I feel like the AC hardware is in the way.

Id really like to tackle this over a long weekend. I have a mig flux wire welder. I just don't see much working room.

I've found some videos online of this procedure and either the heads are pulled, or the whole engine is removed. South Main Auto on YouTube has a good one with v6 trail blazer but it looks like he has way more working room than the LS2.

Thanks in advance my friends.

 

[Az07TbSS]

No personal experience, but I have read on this forum about a bracket that utilizes existing bolts. If memory serves. Obviously not a 100% fit but I have read positive results.

Broken Header Bolt/KRAL Bracket Repair

I used Kral Auto's repair kit KAP#169 to fix the D/S header today. The bolt broke clean off and left the shank in the head. It fixed the annoying sound, power loss, and fuel stinking that came along with the leak. The best part is it saved me potential hours and money. Anyway there's a video on...

www.tbssowners.com

 

[454supersport]

The Kral is a decent temporary fix. I did that until I put Kooks longtubes on. I used the Lisle 71400, a right angle Makita running very slowly, and a flexible drill bit extension to do some of the driver’s side from the wheel well. I think I did 5 total on my wife’s 08, and most were flush or worse.

 

[Burnit53]

Was gonna suggest the Kral auto units.

 

[kentdavies1988]

No personal experience, but I have read on this forum about a bracket that utilizes existing bolts. If memory serves. Obviously not a 100% fit but I have read positive results.

Broken Header Bolt/KRAL Bracket Repair

I used Kral Auto's repair kit KAP#169 to fix the D/S header today. The bolt broke clean off and left the shank in the head. It fixed the annoying sound, power loss, and fuel stinking that came along with the leak. The best part is it saved me potential hours and money. Anyway there's a video on...

www.tbssowners.com

Yea i tried that bracket. Didn't do a damn thing to fix the leak. I'm sure for a major noisy leak it would alleviate the ticking noise a bit. I'm looking to fix it the right way. Maybe throw some headers on while I'm at it. Idk it's my wife's car lol.

 

[kentdavies1988]

The Kral is a decent temporary fix. I did that until I put Kooks longtubes on. I used the Lisle 71400, a right angle Makita running very slowly, and a flexible drill bit extension to do some of the driver’s side from the wheel well. I think I did 5 total on my wife’s 08, and most were flush or worse.

So you were able to drill them out with a right angle drill? I have the Milwaukee right angle and it feels like not enough room...

I'm tempted to weld nuts on them

 

[Rmvurtop]

Is there any stud still sticking out. I was able to use a Mac tools set of bolt extractors and they worked amazing.

 

[454supersport]

So you were able to drill them out with a right angle drill? I have the Milwaukee right angle and it feels like not enough room...

I'm tempted to weld nuts on them

i bought the Makita 12 volt because it had the most shallow head. It’s been a few years since I did it, but it seems like it went fairly smoothly, just not quick. I didn’t have access to a welder, but that seems to be the most common way to go, if you have room.

 

[FightingZZZSS]

I've had this happen on a 5.3 and an 8.1. I've replaced manifolds 3 times (1 side twice other side once) on the 8.1
The 5.3 has gotten gaskets and bolt repair twice. We've been able to do the weld something onto and remove every time but once on the 5.3 - they were broke off down inside the head to far to get anything on it.
Luckily, in southwest Ohio (Cincinnati) we have a guy that actually makes his living (a quite good one at that) removing these and also fixing those junk Ford spark plug issues.
He comes to you, and believe it or not, he grinds through the center of the bolt and splits it in half. I'd not have believed it until I saw it. He makes his own skinny long nosed grinders and uses a series of carbide bits that damn near look like dental tools. You remove the manifolds, and take whatever front tire and inner fender off to gain access. He looks like the guy from little shop of horrors with all kinds of face shields, magnifying glass and light get up on his head... and he works his magic!
Former machinist - gave his shop to his kid - and does this 5-6 days per week now instead.
his name is Herb - but everyone calls him Herb THE MAN! because he's "the man"

I can also tell you - don't try to drill it - I've seen that attempt end poorly with the drill bit walking off the bolt and into the water jacket (junk)
better off removing the head and sending it to the machine shop

If you're near Cincinnati Ohio, let me know and I'll get you his info!
Good Luck

 

[CLS1GTO]

I've used this on mine and worked great .

 

[454supersport]

I've used this on mine and worked great . View attachment 104697

Yep! Same tool I used.

 

[gregc1520]

If you watched a guy do a V6 in a Trailblazer, Thats weird they never made a V6 in a Trailblazer.

 

[Blown Saab SS]

I weld a nut onto what's left & pull out. Always works, some angles suck tho & take several tries to get a strong bite.