Shift coupler - stripped cone set screw

[nhromyak]

It stripped a while ago. It was stripped before I got to it.

I tried penetrating oil, heat, slotting it turning it with a screw driver, drilling it, EZ-outs and chiseling to unscrew it. There is nothing left of the top part of the cone-set screw.

I am sure I am beginning to destroy the threads on the coupler itself.

Now I am at the point of ordering a shift coupler (or finding one)!

This all started because I wanted to change the bushings. I have the bushings... :/

So now what can I do?

Can I crack it!?!?!? to get it off the shifter rod on the transmission?

[Early_S_Man]

Nick,

One last suggestion ...

1. Get a set of reverse-twist HSS drill bits in the 1/16" - 1/4" range ...

2. Build a support for the underside of the coupler to the floor of the tunnel ...

3. Dremmel the remainder of the screw as flat as possible with a 3/4" cutoff wheel working across the top of the screw ...

4. Centerpunch a starting dimple as carefully as possible, to the center of the screw ...

5. Start drilling with the 1/16" bit backwards, slowly and very carefully at 500 rpm or so, using plenty of cutting oil or WD-40 as you go, and work up, 1/64" step at a time ... and theoretically the screw wil back out by the time you get to the 1/8" bit ...

[scottb]

Originally posted by Early_S_Man
Nick,

One last suggestion ...

1. Get a set of reverse-twist HSS drill bits in the 1/16" - 1/4" range ...

2. Build a support for the underside of the coupler to the floor of the tunnel ...

3. Dremmel the remainder of the screw as flat as possible with a 3/4" cutoff wheel working across the top of the screw ...

4. Centerpunch a starting dimple as carefully as possible, to the center of the screw ...

5. Start drilling with the 1/16" bit backwards, slowly and very carefully at 500 rpm or so, using plenty of cutting oil or WD-40 as you go, and work up, 1/64" step at a time ... and theoretically the screw wil back out by the time you get to the 1/8" bit ...

Excellent advice, as usual, from Warren.

If it were me, I'd drill the f***er out, pronto, and put a new coupler in. At some point your time is worth more than the part. Also, if you don't have reverse drills, you'll end up having to buy them. Bottom line -- if it were my car I'd drill it and not look back.

My $.02.

[Porsche_monkey]

I agree with scott, how can you disagree with a guy that says " drill the f***er out " ?

[Erik Mckenna]

I will take the same advice.. I have a stripped one aswell it happened during my motor/tranny drop a week ago.

[yelcab1]

Don't sweat it too much, you can buy a new coupler for not too much money.

[GDSOB]

Drill it out. You can always tap it to accept a larger set screw.

Eric- this won't add too much weight...

[Porsche_monkey]

That screw isn't exactly standard. I'd drill it out and make an insert to keep the original thread size.

[nhromyak]

Thanks for the reply everyone.

Are the reverse drill bits different than the EZ-outs? It seems these should have worked, but they didn't "Catch" like they normally do. Instead the EZ-outs acted more like drill-bits and chewed up the cone-set screw.

I am most worried about drilling through the cone shaped receptacle on the tranny input shaft when drilling out the screw (more).

I know the input shaft is hardened steel, but...

I am already considering ordering a new shifter coupler, just-in-case anyway.

[Porsche_monkey]

You won't do much to the hardened steel with a standard drill bit and a hand drill.

[nhromyak]

OK kewl.

I will see about reverse bits. Thanks everyone!