Gotcha, ya b*tch

"If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent" (essextee) 10/23/2017 at 17:41 • Filed to: Thermostat saga

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There was just enough of that broken bolt sticking out to get my vice grips over. Unfortunately it’s a non-standard size that the hardware stores don’t have, so I had to order one. For now I’m stuck driving the mothballed Wrangler and hoping the police don’t notice the expired inspection sticker.

Check the tag for the full story.

Please forgive the Prius. It is my sister’s. I try not to think any less of her for it.

Die-Trying > If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent 10/23/2017 at 17:57

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that sure makes for an emotional rollercoaster when you break important bolts like that. especially when you cant seem to get anything to bite the stob...... glad you managed to get it out. i like small undersized pipe wrenches too, but i usually cheat, and weld a nut over the broken bolt.......

XJDano > If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent 10/23/2017 at 18:15

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I just helped my brother swap the thermostat in his aveo, took 5 minutes. BUT we also had to be super careful not to overtighten the E10 headed bolts because the housing is PLASTIC!

All was well though, he was quoted $300 to have it done at a shop.

I also lately has a broken bolt that I was able to back out. So I know you pain, frustration, and triumph.

diplodicus forgot his password > If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent 10/23/2017 at 18:25

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The hardware stores where you live don’t carry any metric bolts?

If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent > diplodicus forgot his password 10/23/2017 at 18:28

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It’s some weird size that seems only to be used in cars. The width is in-between the standard sizes that the stores carry.

diplodicus forgot his password > If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent 10/23/2017 at 18:39

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M8 is a standard size. Might be a finer 1.5 pitch thread, 1.25 is more common for m8 bolts. That’s still weird to me that they don’t have it.

Eta I got that backwards 1.5 I’d coarse 1.25 is fine

cmill189 - sans Volvo > If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent 10/23/2017 at 18:40

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Do you have an ACE near you? That’s my go-to place for hardware.

Die-Trying > If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent 10/23/2017 at 18:44

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you might see if they carry it at Tractor Supply (if you happen to have those in your area)they usually have just about any size that i have come up needing.....

If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent > diplodicus forgot his password 10/23/2017 at 19:14

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I needed to match length, width, and thread. The closest bolts I could find could only meet two of those criteria. I even got someone to help me.

If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent > Die-Trying 10/23/2017 at 19:19

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One problem with that:

Die-Trying > If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent 10/23/2017 at 20:23

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yeah, thats a bit too far to go for a single bolt........

merged-5876237249235911857-hrw8uc > If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent 10/23/2017 at 22:26

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You could get a longer bolt and add washers for shims for a temp fix while the new bolt comes in, and might want to replace the other two while you’re at it.

merged-5876237249235911857-hrw8uc > If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent 10/23/2017 at 22:27

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Also, autozone or o reallys didn’t have the size? They have a decent metric selection, and you can cut down a longer bolt as well instead of the shin idea.

If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent > merged-5876237249235911857-hrw8uc 10/23/2017 at 23:04

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I’m on an island, only parts store is NAPA, they don’t stock nuts and bolts.

MINIGTI > If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent 10/24/2017 at 03:52

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My thermostat saga with the XJ6 is ongoing. Realized the thermostat is on a water rail that comes off pretty easily so I can work on it better now

ateamfan42 > If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent 10/24/2017 at 10:06

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A saw or cutoff wheel can address the length issue.

If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent > ateamfan42 10/24/2017 at 10:12

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Eh, I already ordered the new bolt. No sense in putting any more effort into it at this point. Luckily my neighbors aren’t the sort who would complain about my car being up on ramps for a day or two.