1998 Ford Escort I messed up while Replacing Thermostat

115,000 MILES • 4 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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GAMMIEGIR8
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
Ok I went to replace my thermostat, it is probably a simple process. Everything was going good until I went to remove the three bolts that hold on the thermostat housing. And my lucky the first bolt was so rusty that it broke off, the other two came out fine. So I didn't know what else to do, so I drilled out the screw and when the Thermostat housing came off, then there wasn't enough of the screw to grip and screw out. So I continued to drill the screw out and I was at a bad angle and I drilled too much to the right of the actually hole. So now the T. Housing won't line up, of course. So I don't know what to do now. Do I have to buy another engine now. Or is there so way I could drill the right hole out and somehow plug the wrong hole?

Thanks in advance
Aug 29, 2008 at 1:03 PM
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BMRFIXIT
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 19,053 POSTS
This is what I m thinking
you already messed the head ,so what another hole

this time you need to be more on target
do not over drill I would drill just enough to get few threads only
use JB weld on the other hole and give it a shot
good luck
Aug 30, 2008 at 11:05 PM
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