My Starter Bolts!
#1
03-14-08, 05:05 PM
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Canada
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My Starter Bolts!
Trying to get the starter off of a 1991 Dodge Caravan. Tried WD-40, tapping them, and Liquid Wrench, and still nothing. I think one may be getting a bit stripped off (the head), maybe a bit on the other, but they just won't budge... need some help here!
#2
03-14-08, 05:59 PM
When you first began, did you have the correct socket on it? And what drive ratchet were you using? I'd imagine you did not have the socket perfectly square and tight, at all times. Having the proper leverage, right from the start, can be most important. But that is over the dam now, unfortunately.
Trying to get a penetrating oil in there, and to have it go uphill into the threads probably isn't going to work very well.
Sometimes you can actually crack free a rusted bolt by actually trying to tighten it more a hair. And sometimes if you round off the hex, it is rounded off in the reverse direction more than the tightening direction, so you might give that a shot. If you had enough room around the outside of the socket, you could try one of those sockets that have all those metal pins inside, that conform to the bolthead/nut.
If the hex heads hang down, and are not recessed, more options are available.
Trying to get a penetrating oil in there, and to have it go uphill into the threads probably isn't going to work very well.
Sometimes you can actually crack free a rusted bolt by actually trying to tighten it more a hair. And sometimes if you round off the hex, it is rounded off in the reverse direction more than the tightening direction, so you might give that a shot. If you had enough room around the outside of the socket, you could try one of those sockets that have all those metal pins inside, that conform to the bolthead/nut.
If the hex heads hang down, and are not recessed, more options are available.
#3
03-14-08, 08:17 PM
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I think you might be right about not having the perfect leverage and angle going there at the begining. Socket fit, but I think that makes sense, what you said.
I will give the other things a shot. The three bolts holding this sucker on are mounted horizontaly near the tranny oil pan/bell housing, and I have enough room, only one is a little higher up and tighter so it isn't bad (this is the three litre engine).
Thanks.
I will give the other things a shot. The three bolts holding this sucker on are mounted horizontaly near the tranny oil pan/bell housing, and I have enough room, only one is a little higher up and tighter so it isn't bad (this is the three litre engine).
Thanks.
#4
03-14-08, 08:48 PM
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a easy fix is to heat up the bolts with a propane torch that has a pencil head type flame. This ALWAYS works
for me when
all others has failed
or possibly use a impact style air tool.
for me when
all others has failed
or possibly use a impact style air tool.
#5
03-15-08, 07:14 AM
Makes sense, Bob.
Always afraid to recommend fire, not knowing what someone might have down there, especially in older vehicles that may leak. Whenever I do, I have fire extinguisher, maybe 2, next to me.
Always afraid to recommend fire, not knowing what someone might have down there, especially in older vehicles that may leak. Whenever I do, I have fire extinguisher, maybe 2, next to me.
#6
03-15-08, 07:30 AM
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One thing to add...these are hex head bolts right? Are you using a 6 pt socket or a 12 pt? If a 12 pt, go buy a 6pt set, you'll be much happier on those tought to turn bolts.
#7
03-15-08, 07:35 AM
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I agree with the 6pt socket, I HATE 12pt ones. Also they have a MAP gas torch (If your going to buy a propane) that is a little more money but MUCH hotter when trying to heat up bolts. Try that instead.
