LT1 Based Engine Tech 1993-1997 LT1/LT4 Engine Related

Head bolt problem

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Old Jan 13, 2004 | 09:45 AM
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Unhappy Head bolt problem

While taking off the last head bolt, farthest one back by the spring, I think I messed up enough so the socket won't even turn it. I don't know why it did this but it did. So what are my choices now? Grind the head of the bolt off and lift the head up and out? Then take pliars to get the stud out. I'm bummed now.
Old Jan 13, 2004 | 09:52 AM
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I think Sears has some "gripper" sockets that might work if they are small enough in diameter to get to the bolt. I always use 6 point sockets on any bolts that have much torque applied to them.
Old Jan 13, 2004 | 10:40 AM
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Looks like it may come off with a 6 point bolt, not sure though. I need to go buy one for a 1/4 drive.
Old Jan 13, 2004 | 03:33 PM
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How are you going to get a head bolt off with a 1/4" drive anything? It's not going to take the stress. You should be using 1/2" drive stuff for this.
Old Jan 13, 2004 | 04:13 PM
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Whoops, yea I meant 1/2" drive. I tried one with 1/4" drive and it snapped the adapter. The only 6 point socket I had was 1/4" and it snapped the adapter in two.

I used a 3/8" to 1/2" adapter to break all the other bolts loose. Tomorrow I'm going to pick up a new 6 point socket for a 1/2" drive.
Old Jan 13, 2004 | 04:41 PM
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OK, I found a 1/2 socket with 3/8" drive (6 point), did a little prayer and it came off.

Now, how the hell does that head come off!! And the only thing holding the coolant crossover tube on the back is 1 bolt, correct?

Thanks for your help, Rob.
Old Jan 13, 2004 | 04:58 PM
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Yes there is 1 banjo bolt per head. I had to tap mine with a rubber hammer. Did you get the bolt behind the power steering pump.

I'm still looking for that coil wire for you also, My wife said she might have toss it. Ill toss her if she did.
Chad

Last edited by polcat1p; Jan 13, 2004 at 05:08 PM.
Old Jan 13, 2004 | 05:12 PM
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If it's the passenger side there are bolts in the front of the head. You'll also probably have to tap it with a deadblow or a block of wood and a hammer to break the seal. I tapped mine on the front (front of the engine) side of the head.

Joe
Old Jan 13, 2004 | 05:16 PM
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I just got the driver's side off and getting ready to work on the passenger's. Not sure how I'm gonna get to that bolt behind the p/s pump, already got the other off.

I just gave it a little tug upwards and it came off.
Old Jan 13, 2004 | 05:19 PM
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All you have to do is rotate the pulley (there are holes in the pulley). I spent alot of time looking at it before realizing my stupidity/ignorance. It's not bad at all when you notice the space in the pulley hehe.

Joe
Old Jan 13, 2004 | 05:24 PM
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Originally posted by FireAm94
All you have to do is rotate the pulley (there are holes in the pulley). I spent alot of time looking at it before realizing my stupidity/ignorance. It's not bad at all when you notice the space in the pulley hehe.

Joe
I would have been looking at all kinds of ways to get that off, also. Thanks for your insight.
Old Jan 13, 2004 | 05:27 PM
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You can see the steam piping in this pic. My bolts had 15mm heads.
Old Jan 13, 2004 | 05:35 PM
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One more thing...when you pull the steam pipe off be sure to buy new bolts to replace the old ones. The head is not tall enough to prevent rounding and the replacement bolts correct that problem (bought mine from GM for around $2 or so).

Joe
Old Jan 13, 2004 | 05:36 PM
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Originally posted by shoebox
You can see the steam piping in this pic. My bolts had 15mm heads.
That reminds me, where does that wiring harness lead down to on the passenger side?

I've got all these damn harnesses all over my motor and they're stuck there, because I don't know where that one goes!
Old Jan 13, 2004 | 05:43 PM
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Pass side should be starter, o2s, ground to block, and sensor in block. Go to shoeboxs site there is a good pic.
I put my harness in so many times i can do it blindfolded.
Chad



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