Aaarghh!! Can't get the damn bolt out

[Robin427]

Trying to remove what was a 10mm bolt from the bottom of my tin-top. Have tried sockets, spanners, hammer and chisel, molegrips, punch and hammer, heat (that was fun using a blowtorch on the fuel filter fixing), WD40... the damn thing refuses to budge!!

It's in quite an awkward place so can't get a lot of leverage on it with the molegrips and can't get a drill directly on it to put an extractor in.

Any other bright ideas?

[oglyoodoo]

Have you tried talking nicely to it??

You seem to have exhausted most of the options... I take it the head is rounded over now after it's encounter with angry owner, mole grips and chisel. Have you left it with WD40 Overnight?

The only thing I can think of is, could you drill through the side of the head?? If you drilled through say 2.8 mm then sawed the flutes of a gash 3mm drill bit. The shank is softer than the fluted bit so it is unlikely to shatter. If you knock the shank all the way in it would give you something sticking out the side of the bolt head to lean on then maybe you could have another go with a punch and hammer close up to the bolt head. It just might give you some additional purchase... Don't forget the safety specs!! Just a thought as you seem to be getting desperate.

D

[MickyB]

Robin

Have had most luck in the past with either using an undersize socket or using a punch after sawing a groove into the head, but sounds as if you've tried these options.

Welding something to it to help remove it is another option, if you have the welding gear.

Mike

[Robin427]

It is the bolt that holds the fuel filter on. I'm a bit wary of using welding gear (not that I have any) or my gas torch. Actually, I did use the gas torch which was bloody dangerous and didn't seem to make the slightest bit of difference.

Will try hammering on an undersize socket, I think, failing that I'll just have to live with dirty fuel!

It's so frustrating as I've got the Cob sat in the garage, almost ready to take its first tentative steps and I can't do anything about it because I'm under the German for the whole day...

[Grease Monkey]

Originally Posted by Robin427

because I'm under the German for the whole day...

The only german i know is 5'2, blonde, busty and most people would do the opposite of complain if they had to be under her all day... :thumb:

[TonyD]

I was going to say it sounded like a typical day for a nun in the vatican......but then I thought better of it!

Cheers,

Tony

[fcukruss]

leave that fuel filter in place and fit a new inline filter somewhere else,they are about £2 to buy and it sounds as if it would be easier than mucking about underneath


russ

[Wheelnutter]

Hi,
In the past I have had the same problem and used a Dremel with a cutting disc and cut new sides on the bolt head and hammered on a smaller socket. Argos do a cheap impact wrench if you can get onto the bolt head. Your blow torch isn't hot enough. Oxy act. will have a hotter smaller flame if you can borrow a set. Your last resort is a friendly exhaust installer. Best of luck.
Hugh

[Robin427]

Still a bit wary of using a flame so close to a leaking fuel system. Wasn't trying to melt the bolt off, you understand, just heat and cool it a bit to get it flexing in an attempt to break the rust.
I've got a Machinemart impact wrench and it is about as useless a tool as I have ever encountered - perhaps I'm not using it right (none of their tools seem to come with instructions!)

[grandadboats]

Robin, impact drivers have two way action and you need to make sure it is set to undo. You grip the socket end and turn the body anti clockwise to set it to undo. Hope this helps .
Tony