The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop rounded off flywheel bolt

Well, my night in the shop ended earlier than I expected. I was removing flywheel from a 216 and 5 bolts were no problem but rounded off 6th. My question is, can anyone tell me if the Craftsman Bolt-off will work on a bolt with this much torque? I,ve never used them but will get set tomorrow if I'm not wasting my money.

Thanks,
Rex

Rex,

I have never used this item so I can't answer your question...but, I have used a metric socket sometimes to remove a ruined non-metric bolt. If you can find a 6 pt metric socket that is a hammer fit on your rounded flywheel bolt, you might have another chance to get it off. Cross your fingers.

Stuart

Rex
Depending on how bad it is rounded off,you might try a 6 point socket. This often has worked for me, if you haven't tried it allready. I have never used the Bolt off, but it might be worth a try.
Good luck
Jim

I bought a set of the Craftsman sockets and they are worth the price. Just think of the rectal irritation you'll encounter before you bite the bullet. Makes the price seem a lot easier to endure.
Tramp

Thanks guys for the advise. I'll try it.
Rex

Try putting the other bolts back in,,it'll take some of the pressure off the one bolt youre struggling with.
Marty

Try a new Mac or Snap On flank drive socket...I have had these sockets remove a rounded nut that cheaper sockets won't touch...
Also the Craftsman Bolt off's work well.

It's too late now, but be careful when you are removing flywheel bolts. Since the heads are thinner than normal, you need to use sockets that don't have much of a chamfer or fillet before the flats inside. I have a socket that I ground down so it would grip more of the head to avoid ruining flywheel bolts.

Now that, is a good tip J!
Denny G

I would first smack it straight on with a brass punch and hammer to shock it. I would then buy or borrow a Gator Grip socket.I have been in shock over how well they grip.I have never used a Craftsman bolt-off, so I can't say if they work or not.

Since the bolt is junk already, use a 6-point socket, and heat the bolt almost red hot with an acetyline torch before applying the socket. The bolt will stretch, relieving the torque, and it will spin right out with little effort.
Jerry

And if that doesn't work weld a nut on top of it.

If you started with a 12pt socket that's where you problem began they have less grip surface for the head of the bolt and tend to slip and ruin the head try a 6pt it will give you more grip and as Marty noted above put the others back in don't need to torque but tight to take the strain off of the bad one.

Sears Craftsman has some sockets that can be hammered over a rounded off bolt to make a force fit. The socket has serrations inside to bite into the bolt head. They work great.

Before you drive a socket on the bolt, try heating the bolt til it turns red. Then quench it with either ice or co2. This expands the bolt then shrinks it as well as cracks any rust. This old trick that my dad taught me about 40 years ago has never failed me. Also the parts stores (Auto Value/Bumper to Bumper) has a spray that not only lubricates but also freezes the bolt thus cracking any rust and this works great. If this fails, grind the head of the bolt off and remove the flywheel. You might be able to weld a nut on the bolt and back it out. Just my $.02 worth. Don

I agree. I would replace the other bolts to take the pressure off of the bastard one.(There's always one,huh) Then if you can get a socket that you have to hammer (not beat)on tap the back of your ratchet/breaker bar while applying torque slow, but steady. I work in a tool and die shop and have seen this work. Also you might remove it by "WALKING" it out with a VERY good pin [censored] chisel,, depends on the torque. As I'm sure you know, the key word here is finesse. Good Luck!!!! Terry1218

Thanks to all that replied. The boltoff worked great and when I reinstal I will use the tip about grinding the very end off of a socket which makes alot of since.

Rex