Timing chain piston bolt stuck

[Rastadog]

Hi, I’m hoping for suggestions. I’m trying to take the head off a motor in my basement. The timing chain tensioner piston bolt is frozen. Should I just use more force, leverage, to break it,  Penetrating fluid, hammer whacks,covert witchcraft? After the exhaust manifold bolt battle this should be easier. Thanks in advance. Alex

[jmr_1602]

I’d try some PB blaster. And let it set over night.

Do you have a breaker bar? My 25in breaker bar works great on stubborn bolts and nuts.


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[2002Scoob]

I vaguely remember the torque spec for that little guy being pretty high... I'd put a longer wrench on it and make sure the socket is well seated. But if you've already sweated your brow on it... perhaps some PB soaking is the way to go. 

[Mike Self]

IIRC the bolt is steel and it screws into aluminum so you don't want to apply too much force.  If there's corrosion you might strip the aluminum threads while backing the bolt out.  It's unusual for that bolt to be that stuck.

 

Have you tried cleaning the surrounding area thoroughly and heat the aluminum housing with a propane torch? Aluminum expands much faster than steel, so that may break loose any corrosive (or Locktite) bond that's holding the two together.  

Have a soaking wet rag handy in case some of the oily grunge on the engine starts to burn.

 

mike

[PaulTWinterton]

I'd call it a plug more than a bolt.  Similar to the oil drain plug.  Breaker bar and socket.

 

If you are just removing the head, you don't need to remove the plug.  Unbolt the camshaft sprocket and move the chain away to lift the head.

[Son of Marty]

You can break that with too much force as Mike said heat it with a propane torch and then hit it with pb blaster and it should let go with a lot less force.

[Rastadog]

Thank you all! I’m going to PB blast first. If that doesn’t work I’ll use heat. The socket is a good 6 pointer and fits tight. There isn’t a lot of leverage with the 3/8 socket. I just remembered that there is a long handle 19 mm wrench in the tool box. I’ll try that too.

Is it possible to get the timing chain pulley off with the tensioner in place? Thanks again. Alex

[Rastadog]

Paul, Thanks for answering my last question before I asked it. Decal arrived today. Looks good! Thanks Alex

[Rastadog]

It’s off! Longer wrench, PB blaster, collective board wisdom and positive thought waves. Thanks again everyone. Alex

[2002Scoob]

 

^^^^ This might be one of my favorite tools... great for breaking stuff free, and if you need to reaaaally put out some torque, just extend it. Ain't a thing that hasn't given way to it yet!