67 Year Old Head Bolts

[LaqueRatt]

Working on an old Sportwin 10. Any tips on getting them out? I'd really like to avoid snapping them.

 

[dwco5051]

Working on an old Sportwin 10. Any tips on getting them out? I'd really like to avoid snapping them.

 

[Crosbyman]

soak the bolt heads with penetrating lubricant for a few days if worried

work slow be patient
I have never had broken bolts on oldies so you may have no problems.

you can try a freeze spray to break the bond or heat the bolt heads if they can be reached and apply a release agent so the capillary effect can allow some to penetrate. Clear as water silicones seems to work ok.

sometimes a 1/4 inch impact driver going clock wise for a short burst then CCW may break the bond but don't overdo it. go manual if worried

 

[Scott Danforth]

I found that a light snack with a brass hammer on the bolt heads does wonders

 

[dingbat]

Penetrating oil and a 1/2” pneumatic impact gun is my go to. Turn air pressure down a bit to loosen up any crud in the threads before going full force.

If that doesn’t loosen them, I use two ball peen hammers to break it loose.

Place the small end of one hammer on the head of the bolt and hit the face of the hammer with the other.

Mechanic friend turned me on to using a “bolt breaker” tool with an air hammer. Works like a charm

 

[racerone]

On a fresh water motor they usually come out no problem.----Done more than one 67 tear old motor.-----Pouring boiling water over the block/cylinder head area will heat the area of the threads.---Expands the aluminum and releases the grip.

 

[LaqueRatt]

Thanks for the prompt replies. I have both a 1/4" hex impact and a 1/2" pneumatic, but think maybe I'll try to work them loose by hand first after employing the loosening techniques already mentioned. I'm not really expecting trouble, but my personal life lessons have proven to me that there is always that ONE damned bolt........