RUSTY 36 yr old bolts?

Timber · #1 02-25-2003, 08:35 PM

Well the time has finally come, to do something I've been dreading. I'm going to try, and remove the headers, so that I can repair the stud bolts, that hold the exhaust pipes on. Some, or I should say most, of the bolt heads are round from age, and rust. I like to know, what's the best method for getting those things out? [img]images/graemlins/confused.gif[/img] [img]images/graemlins/cussing.gif[/img] [img]images/graemlins/AR15firing.gif[/img] [img]images/graemlins/chair.gif[/img] [img]images/graemlins/cussing.gif[/img]

Caver Dave · #2 02-25-2003, 08:50 PM

I'd start with LIBERAL doses of PBblaster/WD40, giving it some stout raps with a ballpeen (to get it worked in good) for several days straight. Then maybe add some heat via oxy/acetylene (I doubt propane will get you there) to the heads in between soaking. If you can't get to them with GOOD Vise-grips or if you do and they round even more, wled a nut on top of the heads (auto darkening helmet really helps here!). Then use a socket/wrench to turn them out. If this fails, you might have to torch the heads off and pull the manifolds (headers?) to get something more to grab.

FWIW, I've seen my dad heat, soak, & beat on things for weeks straight and spin them out with his fingers! [img]images/graemlins/cool.gif[/img]

On other occasions, the bolts snapped and the grind, center punch, drill (progressive size bits), & re-tap the hole business was used [img]images/graemlins/mad.gif[/img]

johnbris · #3 02-25-2003, 09:44 PM

Dave's right with the soakdown with PB Blaster. I try to wire brush the bolt heads to get them clean and break the rust bond between bolt and manifold. Dremel tool is handy here. Heat should help. If you can get a small imapct wrench in there the hammering effect helps. It is almost easier to remove the whole front clip than it is to try and remove snapped off bolts. Good luck!

#4 02-26-2003, 08:44 AM

I've sometimes had luck using a metric wrench. You can use one slightly smaller than the SAE size and force it on. This may not be the best thing for the wrench but that's why they have lifetime warranty. [img]images/graemlins/shocked.gif[/img]

BeachJeeps · #5 02-26-2003, 03:21 PM

Timber, I have some parts that you may be interested in. I have a 225, I was told it ran. I will let it and other stuff I have around go at a good price. I tried to E-mail but was sent back. I am in Charleston, SC. If you are interested contact me. If there are any others near by I have some seats and misc. items. [img]images/graemlins/40BEER.gif[/img]

bigcheese · #6 02-26-2003, 04:41 PM

And if you need to replace your headers I took my Advance Adapter headers off, that were made for the Jeepster.
I put them on last year and took them off this year. Hell i'd even paint 'em for you. [img]images/graemlins/40BEER.gif[/img]
mmccollum@broadbandsvc.com

Timber · #7 02-26-2003, 08:39 PM

Thanks to you Caver Dave, to you John B.,and to you Tom, I'm sure I'll probably have to try all those suggestions, and a few more, like a long beer break between fustration attacks! [img]images/graemlins/AR15firing.gif[/img] [img]images/graemlins/cussing.gif[/img] [img]images/graemlins/chair.gif[/img] [img]images/graemlins/givemebeer.gif[/img] [img]images/graemlins/tongue.gif[/img] [img]images/graemlins/thud.gif[/img]

Timber · #8 02-26-2003, 08:48 PM

Thanks to Jerry in Charleston, SC, and to Mike in Atlanta, GA. I am interested in the parts, that the both of you suggested, and will try to contact you both about these parts. Thanks again, Tim [img]images/graemlins/40BEER.gif[/img]

uglyjeepoffroad · #9 02-27-2003, 09:26 AM

If you get really frustrated and need someone else to beat on the studs for you, Let me know and I can give you a hand sometime. I go to Marion for work once in a while and I live just off of 321 in Hickory.
I am still trying to get mine back together before Summer so I can work the bugs out of it before the Jam. [img]images/graemlins/40BEER.gif[/img]

Timber · #10 02-27-2003, 11:07 PM

Thanks for the offer Chris, sure if you, or any other member of this forum, are in my neighborhood, please feel free to stop, and say hello! Hopefully you'll catch me with a little free time on my hands, and maybe a beer in one of them too! [img]images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]