7 replies to this topic

[psycho mini driver]

how do i remove it? i know its the 3 bolts, but they seem very reluctant to undo, and i do not want to sheer them off if they are coroded. anyone got any tips to help me?

[Madmax]

alright this is one i can definatley help with, i had a problem where i managed to sheer off the tops of the bolts that hold the housing on

the trick is to undo the bolts using shocks, ie hitting a spanner with a hammer enough so it shocks the bolt to move, failing that i would recommend that you use a penetrating oil around the bolts for a night or two, to allow the oil to get as far into the stud as possible.

If the heads of the studs do snap off, all is not lost. If you can get your hands on a Tap and Die set, with some thread cutters, simply drill the top of the stud out with a hand drill (have to be careful not to go too deep) whilst applying alot of machine oil (it gets hot). Then re-grind out the same thread as the old stud, anyone in a hardware store should be able to tell you the right thread youll need. Then its just a case of getting some new studs, which i myself got from the local salvage yard for free. If you want to have a look at what happened to mine take a look at the link below:

Thermostat Stud Problem


hope thats of some help to you

james

[psycho mini driver]

thanks. il give it a go, being carefull.

[dklawson]

To add to what's already been said....
The housing is usually held on with studs that thread into the head and removable nuts on the top. The application of penetrating oil well in advance of the removal process helps. The "shocks" or impacts should first be delivered to the oil soaked nuts on the studs. Take a slightly smaller socket, put it over the top of the stud so it sits on top of the nut and give it a whack with a hammer. Do this several times a day at least a day in advance of trying to remove the nuts. Once you have the nuts off, apply more oil to the studs and allow it to run down between the studs and the housing. The steel studs corrode inside the housing and get frozen to it which makes removing the unbolted housing a pain. If you break the housing don't worry, they aren't expensive.

[Bluemini]

They will probly beak anyway!! If they break near the top then get a stud remover and unscrew it. If it snaps near the bottom drill it out and re-tap it. It isnt as hard as it sounds, just frustrating. The thread size is 3/8 UNC I think.

[Purple Tom]

heat is also very useful here, as the aluminium of the housing will expand faster than the steel studs. make sure you don't get it too hot, and apply the penetrating oil and shock the top of the studs. along with the heat is should come undone very easily.

[Dan]

Be very careful about using heat and penetrating oil at the same time though won't you?

I usually just cut these off. It is a lot quicker. A new housing only costs a fiver. After removal (however you do it) use stainless studs or bolts instead of the standard ones and it will never freeze up again. Available from Minispares or Stainless Auto Components.

[Madmax]

dont forget copper grease either. just as good as using stainless bolts/studs.

james