Another question about the Bulkhead bolts

[zak_62]

Hi~
I had my car jack up this morning doing some regular look overs and took a look at the bulkhead bolts that were very much talked about a while ago.
What I saw are two 13mm nuts in front of the vacuum pump and two more in front of the AC compressor all facing slightly downward next to coolant pipes. Are those the correct bolts I am looking at?? If they are correct, how would you access it??
I am having a great trouble reaching the far end bolt in front of vacuum pump as a wrench will be blocked by the closer bolt and the coolant pipe is so tight against the fire wall and a socket won't pass through. The two bolts in front of the AC compressor is even harder to reach as it is blocked by numerous wire harnesses. I can barely see the bolts, not mension getting my hands in there.
Could someone please share their experience working with these bolts with me? What's the torque requirement on these bolts? What tools would you suggest?
Thanks.
Isaac

[lotusguy]

zak_62 said:

Hi~ I had my car jack up this morning doing some regular look overs and took a look at the bulkhead bolts that were very much talked about a while ago. What I saw are two 13mm nuts in front of the vacuum pump and two more in front of the AC compressor all facing slightly downward next to coolant pipes. Are those the correct bolts I am looking at?? If they are correct, how would you access it?? I am having a great trouble reaching the far end bolt in front of vacuum pump as a wrench will be blocked by the closer bolt and the coolant pipe is so tight against the fire wall and a socket won't pass through. The two bolts in front of the AC compressor is even harder to reach as it is blocked by numerous wire harnesses. I can barely see the bolts, not mension getting my hands in there. Could someone please share their experience working with these bolts with me? What's the torque requirement on these bolts? What tools would you suggest? Thanks. Isaac

Zak,

Yep, that's them and they are a b*tch to get at. I get the inside ones from above the motor, reaching down w/ a gearwrench, a 1/4 turn at a time (usually 5-6 full turns required).

The outside ones I get from underneath using a socket and wobble drive. This makes it possible, but as I said, they are a b*tch.

If that's not working for you, well the choice is either leave them as is, or loosen the compressor and vac pump. I don't know what else to tell you. Persevere and you'll get them. No set torque, just tighten them as much as you dare realizing that you don't want to snap them off. Mine are pretty tight, but I stopped short of what I thought would break them and the 'clonk' sound stopped. Good Luck! Happy Motoring! Jim'85TE

[zak_62]

From the engine compartment?? Did you remove the engine bay side wall??

I was using a gear wrench on it as well. And it feels pretty loose when I am turning the wrench.

[lotusguy]

zak_62 said:

From the engine compartment?? Did you remove the engine bay side wall?? I was using a gear wrench on it as well. And it feels pretty loose when I am turning the wrench.

Zak,

I don't understand your post. You must access them from the engine compartment. I don't remove any sidewalls, just 'lay' over the top of the engine and reach down for the inner bolt on each side (inner because they are closest to the car center). The outer bolts I get from underneath as I said.

Expect to broaden your vocabulary considerably and acquire a couple 'battle scars', especially to your knuckles, but short of pulling the engine for better access, I know of no other way. If you find a better one, please let me know. Happy Motoring! Jim'85TE

[zak_62]

Whoops~ No wonder you can't understand me. What I means is, how to reach from the top. But you guess my meaning right~ Haha. Sorry~ Must be those exhaust fume affecting my brain~

Yeah, the outter bolts are impossible to reach with what I have in my tool chest. I will go ask my tools man to see if he has something handy for this job next week.