2000 30hp just snapped thermostat plate bolts off

Joined
Sep 17, 2014
Messages
22
This will be the second year owning this motor so I figured it was time to finally add the new carb kit and thermostat I have for it. I was dreading the thermostat because the original owner never had anything but the water pump changed and even though the motor was never in salt water I always have problems with the bolts on the cover. So I get all the bolts but the very bottom two off, head snapped flush even after I soaked them with PB Blaster and tried to loosen/tighten method. So I got a small hand held torch and headed the threads a little and got the 2nd from the bottom out but that dam bottom bolt will not come out! I tried PB Blaster WD40 and the torch and my vice grip keeps slipping off. I don't want to remove the head because of the bolts snapping so what can I do now? Local dealer I called said I have to remove the head now........
 
Top