Help!! A bolt will not unscrew!!

[rharris21]

How do remove a bolt that it is absolutely solid?

I am replacing an air con pipe on a 330ci - it is such a simple job.. although I thought - two bolts to remove.
The first one was simple no fuss. However the second one which is by the exhaust manifold is absolutely screwed in solid.

I have tried soaking overnight in wd-40 on someones advise.

What advise does anyone else have?

I am desperate to get the new pipe fitted so I can get the air con re gassed.

Any help is greatly appreciated.

[miniman]

Have you tried tightening it a bit and then undoing it? (seriously)

[rharris21]

miniman said:

Have you tried tightening it a bit and then undoing it? (seriously)

Nope not yet. Have been told this twice now so may try this.
I just cannot get leverage on it - it is such a small space I can only use the smallest allan key.
We tried so many different tools and just could not get it to budge

[ChrisRS]

I'd go out for a drive to get the engine nice and hot, as soon as you get back spray with anti-sieze spray and try again, trying to tighten it first is also a good idea, make sure you use decent quality, close fitting tools as you don't want to be doing any damage to the bolt head.

[rharris21]

Regal said:

Is there room for an impact screwdriver?

Nope. Its an aluminium bolt and the first came undone with ease. Can't believe it really

[rharris21]

ChrisRS said:

I'd go out for a drive to get the engine nice and hot, as soon as you get back spray with anti-sieze spray and try again, trying to tighten it first is also a good idea, make sure you use decent quality, close fitting tools as you don't want to be doing any damage to the bolt head.

What spray would you use? Is that an actual spray the anti-sieze?

[DrDeAtH]

WD40 is NOT a releasing agent, use PLUS GAS. How many people fail to read the can and think WD does it all??

You need a penetrating oil, NOT a water dispersant.

[ChrisRS]

rharris21 said:

What spray would you use? Is that an actual spray the anti-sieze?

Plus Gas

[rharris21]

DrDeAtH said:

WD40 is NOT a releasing agent, use PLUS GAS. How many people fail to read the can and think WD does it all??

You need a penetrating oil, NOT a water dispersant.

I must admit I thought this but it was what my local car shop recommended.
Plus I had nothing else to try.

where can I get this plus gas?

[ChrisRS]

Any decent motor spares place should stock Plus Gas, failing that, Halfrauds.

[steveo3002]

if you can try giving the head a decent rasp with a hammer , often shocks free the rust

[rharris21]

ChrisRS said:

Any decent motor spares place should stock Plus Gas, failing that, Halfrauds.

Oh dear was dreading the halfrauds recommendation.
Thanks for the advice

[ChrisRS]

This is the stuff you want

http://www.lawson-his.co.uk/scripts/details.php?ca...

Like i say, any local motor factors will stock it.

[rharris21]

ChrisRS said:

This is the stuff you want

http://www.lawson-his.co.uk/scripts/details.php?ca...

Like i say, any local motor factors will stock it.

Ok.

Will have to be Monday as my local one is closed tmoz.
They are very good normally though so will pick it up then.

What if that doesn't work?? i.e. the plus gas?

[thewhooshparrot]

Just to add,as the fittings in question are aluminium be VERY careful as if its seized in and finally does go,it can easily take the thread with it or snap the bolt leaving you needing the other part of the pipe or a tap and die set

[ChrisRS]

If i was you i'd try and get hold of some Plus Gas as soon as you can, apply plenty to the bolt, go for a decent drive to heat it up, re-apply plenty of Plus Gas and then try Regal's suggestion of an impact driver.

When you say you don't have enough space to get one in, are you sure you couldn't get this sort of thing in:

http://www.google.co.uk/products/catalog?hl=en&amp...

To use it, you stick the relevant bit on the end, put the bit into the head of the bolt and hit it hard with a hammer, this should shock the bolt loose

[I Am Milk]

Enough space to get an Archie on it?

[bazking69]

Regal said:

Loctite freeze and release is worth a try, or else you need to apply heat!

This. And a decent tight socket. And as long a wrench as space will allow.

[snowdude2910]

hammer an irwin onto it and get a ratchet/breaker bar in

[rharris21]

Guys,

thanks for all the recommendations.

Purhcased plus gas on Sunday - sprayed many times but still nothing.
Unfortunately I only have limited tools and all I can fit in the gap is an allan key.
The gap is literally wide enough for my hand - it is right next to the exhaust manifold and another air con pipe. So obviously when the car has been driven I can't go anywhere near the bolt.

Not sure how I can get it off now without someone else having a go..