Got a little problem here

[Joe200man]

Went to take my thermostat out this morning and the bottom bolt came out fine but the head on the top bolt is stripped. So i went to take the belt tensioner off to have some room for a pair of vice grips and that bolt is stripped lol. They were already stripped so the previous owner must have tried to get them off. Any ideas??

 

[02blue]

So the bolt head is stripped and won't hold a socket or wrench? Might have to grind the head off and then remove component. Maybe the vice grips will fit then. Could try slotting it then also and using a large screwdriver to remove.

I've used a very simple combo set of wrenches/sockets for 15 years or so called Metrinch. If you used the right size they don't grip the points and I haven't stripped one off since. Even brass fittings. They are apparently indestructible and I've really tested them. Lifetime guarantee too. Way overpriced but now available from Sears. I'd order direct.

 

[Snail Farmer]

They make sockets that are supposed to work on stripped bolts but I've never used them myself. I would try to find a different sized socket and hammer it onto the bolt or just cut the bolt head off. The easiest way would be to drill through the bolt head but you would most likely need to remove the radiator to have enough room for a drill. Let us know how you make out.

Sent from my HTC One using the power of Mary's purse

 

[Joe200man]

i got a set of extractors from my dad and they didn't work for either bolt

 

[02blue]

I would try to find a different sized socket and hammer it onto the bolt or just cut the bolt head off. The easiest way would be to drill through the bolt head but you would most likely need to remove the radiator to have enough room for a drill. Let us know how you make out.

I like the smaller socket idea otherwise drill or grinder.

 

[tjkj2002]

get the engine back into running state,then start the engine and let run for 10-15mins.Then use a 6 point socket,a little heat helps.


Then again those rounded of bolt sockets are handy,I have all sizes ranging from 5mm all the way to 27mm.

 

[Joe200man]

get the engine back into running state,then start the engine and let run for 10-15mins.Then use a 6 point socket,a little heat helps.


Then again those rounded of bolt sockets are handy,I have all sizes ranging from 5mm all the way to 27mm.

I'd like to do that but i'm replacing the cradle so i got it all tore apart. The thermostat isn't bad but when i was under it i noticed the bottom of the housing was wet with a small drip of water hanging from it. So i'm debating just leaving it or cutting the head off the bolt and hope i can get the rest of the stud out.

I'd rather just do it now since theres alot more room to work on and if i don't fix it its gonna bug me cause i know its there lol

 

[Joe200man]

i went ahead and decided to cut the head off. the rest of it came out by hand