Starter Mounting Bolts Stuck

Mask of Destiny · 10-25-2008, 05:23 PM

So I finally got started on replacing the waterpump in my 944 today. There were a few snags, but nothing insurmountable until I got to installing the flywheel lock. I can not get the 19mm starter mounting bolts to budge. Tried spraying some bolt freeing stuff (Blaster Chemical's PB Penetrating Catalyst to be precise) on them, but it didn't seem to help.

Other than getting a longer wrench for more leverage, do you guys have any suggestions?

earlr85944 · 10-25-2008, 05:40 PM

heat with a propane torch

rsrmike · 10-25-2008, 05:59 PM

hose it with PB a few more times and try again tomorrow. Although it's usually not a corrosion problem, just a large diameter bolt w/ fairly corse threads.

You could get a 1/2" breaker bar at your local auto parts store and it should have a longer handle, if not, use a cheater pipe, e.g.-your floor jack handle...

Good luck, those things are usually pretty snug...

thekidd · 10-25-2008, 08:50 PM

The drivers side bolt, or the passengers side bolt. I just replaced my starter about 10 days ago, then I just got donr a slave and master replacement, took starter out many times. The first time I took it out theye were both stuck. The passengers side (had to pull down to get out) I used all 125 pounds I had and kind of hung my body on the wrench and it broke loose. The drivers side bolt was tight as anything, all rusted when I did get it off. Took me a long time to get both off while dousing them with wd-40, PB, 3-1, and I made a blend of all of them, but still nothing. Had no more ideas untill I saw the Porsche jack stand right next to me. Threw that baby under the car and got it underneath the bolt. Highered the jack and "Crack" came loose. Jack is 2 tools in 1. Hope it helps.

mikepellegrini · mikepellegrini's Garage

Remember to "wake up" the bolts before you try to loosen them.

From Clark's GSM: http://www.clarks-garage.com/shop-manual/bolt-01.htm

Mask of Destiny · 10-26-2008, 11:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thekidd

The drivers side bolt, or the passengers side bolt.

Both are stuck, but I've been focusing most of my energy on the driver's side so far.

Quote:

The passengers side (had to pull down to get out) I used all 125 pounds I had and kind of hung my body on the wrench and it broke loose.

I'm a bit confused. Is the passenger side bolt reverse threaded or something? The only way I could arrange a wrench to pull down would produce a clockwise rotation.

Today I've tried, more PB, a cheater pipe, whacking the bolt, hitting the wrench with a rubber mallet, using the jack, and heating the bolt with a propane torch. After about 2 hours of trying today I'm still where I started. Argh

thekidd · 10-26-2008, 03:24 PM

No, they are not reverse threaded. I was working on the starter from the middle of the car, on my back working on the starter. If you on the ground working on it, it will be tough to break loose. Only other help is to try and hit the bolts with a heavy hammer (all metal hammer, wooden ones will def. break.) Other than that, I can't think of any thing else. The jack didn't work? Wow, were you lifting the car up with the wrench and jack? If no, and the bolt didn't break, try again, keep trying. Check out other posts too trey and find a local Pelicaner, or Rennlister and try to ask if they can come by and give you a hand.

phoenix_iii · 10-26-2008, 03:50 PM

and make sure you're turning the bolts the right way...

Slam · 10-26-2008, 04:29 PM

^+1. You'd be surprised how easy it is to get disoriented when you're twisted up under the car like a pretzel, hauling on a wrench with all your might.

aj951 · 10-26-2008, 04:52 PM

^+1...... been there done that and got the tee shirt.

It's most humbling.

A.J.

Mask of Destiny · 10-26-2008, 06:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by phoenix_iii

and make sure you're turning the bolts the right way...

I'm pretty sure I'm going the right way. I had that thought myself a few times and I've worked things out in my head over and over and I'm pretty sure I've got it right.

Quote:

Other than that, I can't think of any thing else. The jack didn't work? Wow, were you lifting the car up with the wrench and jack?

One of the times I tried, the car started to groan and shift like I was lifting it.

I went to Autozone tonight and picked up an impact wrench, a 19mm impact socket, and an impact rated universal joint. I'm going to try that and the hammer approach tomorrow. If that doesn't work I'm going to have to take it to a professional (which will be a pain as I'll either have to put it back together or order a tow eyelet).

rsrmike · 10-26-2008, 06:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mask of Destiny

I went to Autozone tonight and picked up an impact wrench, a 19mm impact socket, and an impact rated universal joint. I'm going to try that and the hammer approach tomorrow. If that doesn't work I'm going to have to take it to a professional (which will be a pain as I'll either have to put it back together or order a tow eyelet).

BE CAREFUL!!!!!

Usually, using an impact w/ a wiggler on a bolt that tight is dangerous. Every joint you put between the impact and the bolt place is a potential for failure. Also, each joint absorbs some of the torque from the impact

You're better off w/ the jack approach...

If you do use the impact/wiggler/socket approach, for gods sake stay behind the impact. It will be hard to do unless you raise the rear of the car.

I'm picturing you lying under the front of the car w/ your face below the impact gun, which is a likely scenario w/ just the front raised. Not to be a pesimist, but even my Snap-On wigglers can fail w/ an impact, and let me tell you from experience, it is friggin scary when one of those lets go. I've been lucky and never had one fly into my face but I've witnessed others who were not soo lucky. It can knock your teeth out!

Maybe post your location a little more specific and ask for help as someone already stated. That is probably your best bet at this point. It would probably be cheaper than a tow bill...

Good luck

Mask of Destiny · 10-26-2008, 07:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rsrmike

I'm picturing you lying under the front of the car w/ your face below the impact gun, which is a likely scenario w/ just the front raised.

Don't worry, I would never use a power tool that close to my face. If I can't figure out a position that keeps my face safe from potential flying debris I won't risk it.

Quote:

Maybe post your location a little more specific and ask for help as someone already stated. That is probably your best bet at this point. It would probably be cheaper than a tow bill...

I'm in Fairfield specifically. I certainly won't turn down help if there's anyone in the area that's willing.

968rz · 968rz's Garage

If that still wont work I think you should try heat but be careful! A lot of aluminum on these cars and that melts fast, a much lower heat than you may think.

phoenix_iii · 10-27-2008, 08:39 AM

Keep hitting it with PB Penetrating fluid. You'd be surprised what it can do over a few days.

Mask of Destiny · 10-27-2008, 06:20 PM

Couldn't get the impact wrench to seat properly even with the "wiggler". Tried more PB blaster. Tried the jack again. Tried to work on the passenger side figuring I could always just dremel the head off the driver's side if need be (since replacing the starter is a lot easier than the clutch bell housing), but I had no better luck there either and the limited clearance made it difficult to use many "tricks" on that side.

In the end I just patched it back together enough to be driveable and took it to the mechanic. Had a small incident on the way their that I'm too embarassed to go into detail about as it involves a really stupid mistake on my part, but I did eventually get there.

Now there seems to be milkshake in the overflow tank (never saw any in the car before) which from what I gather is probably bad oil cooler seals, but could possibly be a blown headgasket. Fun.

AKCJ · 10-30-2008, 08:27 AM

Well, so you couldn't get the bolts out and had to take it in - no big deal. I've had times when I couldn't get a bolt out or solve some other problem and had to call for help. It happens. No big deal.

And, the "really stupid mistake" that you made. Don't worry about that either, we've all been there.