Bugger, broken bolt in thermostat housing

[RobH]

Tried removing the thermostat whilst doing other coolant work and have managed to snap off one of the bolts flush with the bottom part of the housing.
Fitted new stainless bolts to other three, anyone know if they hold tight with three bolts?
And any easy way of removing the broken bolt?

[itchyfeet]

No I'd say you need four bolts, you may get away with driving it until your new one arrives, I assume late van from your description but better to put your van year in your signature

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[silverbullet]

If its one that is accessible and you can get on it on-axis, use the steel insert that is in the top cover as a drill guide to get an accurate centre dimple in the bolt (6.2mm or thereabouts), then change to a 5mm drill and remove the broken stub.
Probably easier to take the stat housing off and work out in the open where you can judge the angles or... bin it and replace.
Only the alloy syncro ones are worth saving and helicoiling (or the early cooling system ones)

[RobH]

Cheers both, bought a replacement, will see if I can save this one once I've swapped them over, hope I don't destroy anything else this time.