drilling and tapping welds

[magimerlin]

OK long story short..
Water pump leak- no biggie right..

take pump off to find some idiot:smsoap::smsoap: has welded shut the lower water pump bolt hole(the one closest to the timing cover). So I guess I found the cause of the leak. They had a metal bar (held down by the timing cover bolt) holding pressure onto the water pump to try to get it to seal..

So question is what are my options? Can I drill into the weld and re tap it? What type of drill bit. My regular Dewalt bits barely even scratch it. Will a spot weld bit work in this situation? What about those double sided 1/8" bits to get a hole started? I have no idea how far in the weld goes either..

Thank you
Jay

PS I posted in the fab section already too...

 

[x2elite]

You should be able to drill and tap it. You will need to find some VERY hard drill bits. Cheapies won't work for this job, and also keep in mind that the harder drill bits will be pretty brittle as well, especially when drilling the small pilot hole.

 

[magimerlin]

I may end up welding a stud to the block and counter sinking to water pump to clear the weld.....

 

[Jeepnube]

When you're finished with the repair, find said idiot, and beat them on or about the head!:firedevil

 

[x2elite]

That isn't a bad idear at all.

 

[$450JEEPxj]

if all else fails try some JB weld and about 5 rolls of duck tape

 

[avnsteve]

just remember when you do start drilling, use a low speed, and cutting oil...
your bit will remain sharp longer that way, and you're less likely to break another bit...

 

[lil_red_wagon]

you will also need a bit for hardened steel. they make bit just for really hard steel and stainless and such. they are expensive but they are very worth it. like avnsteve said go slow and use alot of oil. some other oils may work but i wouldnt chance it use a high quality cutting oil. you dont want to break a drill bit or tap off in there. and dont use a cheap tap. check with a place such as fastenal they can help you get the right tap for what you are doing.