twisted off bolts.

[harrison20002]

I know there must be a trick to this. I tried to use common sense but still screwed-up.<br /><br />I just tore down an engine to work on. When I came to the exhaust cover the bolts looked "frozen". I sprayed WD-40 around each bolt and gently tapped each one with a hammer. I did this about three times, sprayed them heavily again and went to bed. The next morning I went out and tapped each one with the hammer and sprayed them again. I let them sit a couple of hours more. Then I took a wrench and gently rocked them back and forth. Finally I put a socket and ratchet on and tried to take them off. I twisted off three of the bolts. If this was the only time it happened I would blame it on an old, old motor, it is! But last year I twisted off two head bolts on another motor. If anyone has an answer to this I would sure like to know the secret. I'm serious. Although I take my time I'm still twisting them <br />off. HELP,PLEASE!

 

[MercilessMike]

Re: twisted off bolts.

WD-40 aint going to get it, try some PJS I think, IT really works, then of course I usually heat up them babies, let em cool, spray, heat again and this typically works, not all the time but 4 out 5... good luck, I know what words I scream when I do that. And thats after I peel my flesh off the motor and band-aid it back on.....<br /><br />I will go out to shop in AM and look at what the name is, think it is PJS though. Again I was amazed at this product. What type of socket, use a 6 pt, not 12.<br /><br />Best O luck ...<br /><br />MM<br />By the dawns early light !

 

[Walter]

Re: twisted off bolts.

Harrison... What do you mean by twisting off the bolts? Are you rounding the heads off...or actually breaking the bolts? If you're rounding them...then by all means insure you're using a 6 point socket/wrench.<br /><br />Sometimes though...it's almost impossible to disassemble without difficulty...especially when working with dis-similar metals (steel bolt in aluminum housing for example) or severely corroded metals (exhaust systems). It's what us wrenches call making an otherwise simple, uneventful repair "more interesting and challenging". hee, hee...<br /><br />I'm a firm believer in heat. I've learned that before I even put a socket on a bolt I suspect will be a stubborn...if at all possible I'll heat the area surrounding the bolt to expand it thus releasing some of it's grip on the bolt threads. Of course, this isn't always feesible. If not then I resort soaking in CRC-36, Marvel Oil, or even #2 diesel. <br /><br />Fun, isn't it?<br /><br />Walt

 

[harrison20002]

Re: twisted off bolts.

Hi Walt & Mike; I meant that I twisted the shaft of the bolts off. Thanks for the tip on using heat & the PJS {?}. I'll sure try these and anything else anyone comes up with. Now I've got another couple of hours work before I start with the ring and bearing job. Thanks again men, I really appreciate the help. Hal.<br /><br />God Bless America.

 

[norman158]

Re: twisted off bolts.

try some aerokrole or slick 50 1 lube with the heat both these creep real well with a little heat

 

[scarchest]

Re: twisted off bolts.

just wondering if this is a salt water motor or a fresh water motor. If salt water motor <br />dynamite usually works for me

 

[harrison20002]

Re: twisted off bolts.

Scarchest; No salt, just small Sierra Lakes that are full of Trout. I haven't had a chance to try these remedies yet but I'll sure let you know. Hal

 

[jdenton]

Re: twisted off bolts.

I have been using a product called PB Blaster for years. It works really well. You can get it at about any Autozone or other auto parts house. I agree with the heating also. A combination of both is best, but not always a sure thing. Good luck.

 

[Cwr]

Re: twisted off bolts.

You may want to invest in a high quality tap and die set. Broke bolts are the worst things to deal with.

 

[harrison20002]

Re: twisted off bolts.

Thanks a million for all the suggestions. I didn't ask for guarantees, 4 out 5 is a lot better average than I had going. When I found this BB I didn't realize what a help it would be. I've been a boater for almost 30 years and the extent of my marine knowledge whas general maintenance, changing impellers,grease and the like. But since being here I have overhauled a L/U and now am in the process of overhauling a power head.<br /><br />Thanks again, Hal

 

[Rex]

Re: twisted off bolts.

If you got a b-tank use the the heat<br />It just like everybody said it works.<br />You may have to put a lot of heat on it<br />but IF you get them out what can you say.<br /> GOOD LUCK REX A. HUBBLE