A really difficult evening on the 125....

[ahickman]

Got a few supplies tonight before coming home and had just received my refurbished T/T pump in the mail. Started off by reassembling the pump and lines. Filled up the reservoir and cycled the pump a few times. NOTHING!!!!! Disassembled the motor, pulling the stator out from above and reseating it to make sure I got the post to drop down in the pump gear. Still NOTHING!!! So frustrated.

I switched projects in hopes of making progress. Started to remove the thermostat cover and snapped off three of the four bolt heads. UGGGGGHHH!. What a night. I tried heating the remaining studs and gripping them with a pair of lockjaws. Nothing moved. Please, please, someone give me a little advice on either the pump or the proper removal/repair on the thermostat.

 

[ahickman]

Re: A really difficult evening on the 125....

Anyone have suggestions on troubleshooting the new pump or extracting the bolts on the thermostat?

 

[Jiggz]

Re: A really difficult evening on the 125....

Penetrating oil (not WD40) and a lot of heat. The heat should be more directed to the block rather than the stud. Use a pretty decent vise-grip or a small pipe wrench. I recommend soaking it at least overnight while heating it up at the same time. Do not try torquing it while doing this. Wait until the next day and then heat it up while soaking with penetrating oil while removing it. While soaking raise the motor as much as possible for the oil to stay on.

 

[ahickman]

Re: A really difficult evening on the 125....

Got one drilled out and tapped, but it was a lot of work. The remaining two I have sprayed PB Blaster on and am heating them with a propane torch while using a pair of vise-grips to loosen. May take a day or two of continued attemps. What a pain!

 

[Jiggz]

Re: A really difficult evening on the 125....

As soon as you get done with those broken studs, don't forget anti-seize for everything you bolt down in the engine block!

 

[ahickman]

Re: A really difficult evening on the 125....

Got three of the four bolts drilled out and tapped. The fourth refused to be drilled. Broke three bits and finally gave up. Not sure what to do. I don't thing the water pressure under this cap is extraordinary and am wondering if I can get away with three bolts in. Maybe use a little black RTV around the edges? Anyone done this?