> wrote in message
oups.com...
> long story short, a small (1/4" 5/16" diameter?) thermostat housing
> bolt broke. about 3/8" of it is sticking out of the aluminum engine
> block, with the cap missing. i want to heat it up, but only have access
> to a cheap propane torch. will this do any good? i was thinking that
> heating, then one of the craftsman socket-like removal tools.
>
> thoughts? there isnt any chance of damaging/warping anything with a
> measly propane torch, right?
>
> thanks,
> anthony
>

If you can take a set of ViseGrip pliers and secure the pliers to the bolt
after being heated, and heat the area surrounding the bolt first til it gets
hot but not too hot to change the color of the flame of the torch or turn
the metal too red and then apply the heat to the bolt for only a second or
two then if you take it easy but not to easy then the bolt will come out.
Be carefull. Your problem is caused by the different properties of the bolt
compared to the aluminum manifold. It is a common problem. Consider
yourself lucky it exposed 3/8 inch to grab onto.