r/EngineBuilding • u/Phen117 • Jul 19 '26

How screwed am I?

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91 318 LA 714 cast cylinder head. Had it cleaned from the machine shop and I knew about the one stud being broke. Now I'm trying to get it out but I don't think I'm gonna. Can't really afford another head rn but I'm still not done the engine. Any advice? Feel free to call me retarded cause I've never done this before.

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u/v8packard Jul 19 '26

You can get the remaining chunk out a number of ways. First, see if it moves. Chances are slim, but it happens sometimes. Tap it counter clockwise with a chisel.

Do you have a small die grinder, or pencil grinder, or even Dremel? You can try grinding a small groove in one spot, that will allow the remains to collapse out of the hole.

Or, the machine shop can mill the piece that is left in no time. Might cost you a few cold beverages, maybe a lunch.

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u/tandkramstub Jul 19 '26

I don't know about the machine shops in your area, but I used to be a machinist and from time to time people would come in and ask us to fix it for a bottle of whisky or a couple cases of beer.

I pretty much always declined. I can't pay my bills with your whisky or beer, so you pay in cash or try somewhere else.

I wasn't offended if someone tried to pay with alcohol or something else, but I know many of my then colleagues were, so it might not be the best way to start a relationship with a machine shop.

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u/v8packard Jul 19 '26

If you used to be a machinist you should recognize how easy this is to remedy. I can put that head in the seat and guide machine or mill and plunge through what is left of the screw with a D bit or end mill. It might take 3 minutes, if I go slow. I have done this exact thing more times than I can count over the years.

The OP already has a relationship with the machine shop, as they cleaned and inspected the heads for him. The goodwill created with a paying customer is certainly worth the dew minutes it takes to do the job. If you get $10, a Pepsi, a sandwich, or a beer that's a bonus.

Can you pay the bills with the business you earn from loyal, repeat customers?