Fuel rail removal problem

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Aug 24, 2001 | 08:25 PM

mash557

Thread Starter

Burning Brakes

Joined: Feb 2000

Posts: 927

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From: Saginaw TX

Fuel rail removal problem

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.

Aug 25, 2001 | 02:39 AM

88sk

Burning Brakes

Joined: Oct 2000

Posts: 1,241

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From: phila. pa .usa

Re: Fuel rail removal problem (mash557)

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:

Aug 25, 2001 | 07:20 AM

mash557

Thread Starter

Burning Brakes

Joined: Feb 2000

Posts: 927

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From: Saginaw TX

Re: Fuel rail removal problem (88sk)

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:

Aug 25, 2001 | 06:16 PM

JAKE

Le Mans Master

Joined: Feb 2000

Posts: 9,715

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From: Kempner Texas

Re: Fuel rail removal problem (mash557)

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

Aug 25, 2001 | 07:21 PM

mash557

Thread Starter

Burning Brakes

Joined: Feb 2000

Posts: 927

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From: Saginaw TX

Re: Fuel rail removal problem (JAKE)

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

Aug 27, 2001 | 01:57 AM

JAKE

Le Mans Master

Joined: Feb 2000

Posts: 9,715

Likes: 27

From: Kempner Texas

Re: Fuel rail removal problem (mash557)

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]

Aug 27, 2001 | 01:57 AM

BIG K

Pro

Joined: Nov 1999

Posts: 659

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From: Woodland Ca

Re: Fuel rail removal problem (mash557)

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.