mash557

I'm trying to remove the TPI intake on my 86 and am having a difficult time getting the fuel rail off. The two torx bolts on the front on the manifold have so far defied all attempts to remove them. So far I have trashed three torx bits. What's a fella to do? Options as I see them are cut off heads and drill out later or cut off heads and drill and helicoil later. I have sprayed them many times with PB and rapped them with the hammer, but still no cigar. There will not be ONE torx bolt on this intake when I get done. 12pt stainless ARP's for me unless someone comes up with a valid reason to use hex heads.

88sk

just finished intake upgrade, didnt have problem with mine , came out easy ,try using a manual impact wrench, I always had good luck with them& theyre cheap. :smash:

mash557

dooh, never even thought of that one. Yes, they're real cheap, especially when I already have one from the motorcycle days. Now its out to find a bit. Thanks, saved by the forum again. I'll post the outcome later today. :cheers:

JAKE

I've got an 86 too and had a similar problem some months back.

Torx bits aren't made of strong metal and are relatively each to trash; they're a lot weaker than the bolt they are trying to loosen.

After breaking a couple I realized I had to bite the bullet, so out came my high speed Mikita with it's carbide bit. I ground off the head of the two bolts that wouldn't budge. With the heads off, I could remove the "studs" with only my fingers.

BTW I couldn't use heat (propane torch) because my problem bolts were holding down the fuel rails. Be sure to use lots of anti-seize on the new bolts.

Hope this helps.

Jake

mash557

Jake, what do you think of using 12pt stainless ARP's for all those torx bolts? That's kinda my plan now, unless someone comes up with a good reason not to. Cutting them as you did is last resort, but may have to do it. Thanks

JAKE

Anything short of using a flame is worth a try I guess. I had to grind mine off because by the time I gave up, the heads of the bolts were so rounded off inside that nothing could get a bite.

If you have to resort to grinding them off, make sure everything is buttoned up because they'll be a lot of metal shavings involved.

Keep us posted on how you make out.

Jake


[Modified by JAKE, 11:58 PM 8/26/2001]

BIG K

I too had problems with torx sockets. After getting the set replaced three times at the Auto Zone, I finally bit the bullet and bought a Craftsman.Worked first time.
Good luck.

vettedan

DITTO'S To BIG K. I bought a set from SNAP-ON.
Dan