**help** Stuck Bolt
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
From: Round Rock Texas
**help** Stuck Bolt
I am still working on that darn water pump. It seems the lower bolt on the A/C side of the water pump will not budge. I have broken a socket on it already. My question, what is the best method for getting a stuck bolt loose? :cuss
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 2,047
Likes: 0
Re: **help** Stuck Bolt (mpm1950)
I would lubricate the heck out of the thing with some penetrating oil and give it a couple love taps with a hammer and let it sit overnight. From there, smash a smaller disposable socket on it (if the original one was metric, go english or vice versa). Socket don't do it? "When in doubt, drill it out!" WAIT, not yet, you didn't mention that you did or did not break the other bolts free.. well, if so, go ahead and re-torque them.. then try it with the socket. No go? "When all else fails, drill it out". Get the head of the bolt off and you're home free. Get a humongo set of vice grips and you should be able to then get the remaining stud out.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 5,320
Likes: 4
From: Kyle TX (Because Mojo Made me fill it in)
Re: **help** Stuck Bolt (EricVonHa)
I had a similar problem this afternoon with my water neck. Snapped the head clean off on the first turn. Ive got Liquid wrench on it right now. Maybe it will release tomorrow morning. The Vise Grips chewed up the stud somewhat today. Good luck on the bolt. My vette is in a parking garage without a power outlet so drilling it out is a little harder. :confused:
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 90,675
Likes: 304
From: SE NY
Cruise-In II Veteran
Re: **help** Stuck Bolt (mpm1950)
I agree on the Liquid Wrench and a few taps. Put a socket on an extension and give it several taps.
I used this method on my EGR heat tube bolts and they came loose with just a little persuasion. I had to repeat the taps and Liquid Wrench several times.
If your pump is like the one on my L98 the bolts go into the water jacket so use some sealer on the threads.
[Modified by 65Z01, 1:00 AM 2/11/2002]
I used this method on my EGR heat tube bolts and they came loose with just a little persuasion. I had to repeat the taps and Liquid Wrench several times.
If your pump is like the one on my L98 the bolts go into the water jacket so use some sealer on the threads.
[Modified by 65Z01, 1:00 AM 2/11/2002]
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 1,606
Likes: 14
From: Vacaville, CA
Re: **help** Stuck Bolt (mpm1950)
As previously posted, soak the darn thing in liquid wrench. Then use a 6-pointed socket to prevent any rounding off of the corners. If that doesn't work, before getting insane and drilling, try a little heat with a propane torch; (the heat will melt the hardened thread sealer). Max time with the propane about 7-8 mins, but try after every couple of minutes; (sounds like your rebuilding/replacing your water-pump anyways and the propane heat is too low to damage the aluminum). Now, if that doesn't work, try the liquid wrench again soaking overnight. The oil can now pass around the sealent since some has been melted away. Finally if you are unsuccessful get a sharp drill bit and your Makita! (A friendly reminder, the accessory bolts that go through the water pump are very hard to come by so do your best not to damage them). :)
