[coollx]

Here is an update.

HEAT IS YOUR FRIEND!

I sprayed PB Blaster on the ends of each bolt where the threads come through the transmission axle flange a couple of times over the last couple of days. Then gave the head of each of the six bolts a few whacks but the bolts would not budge. I used a breaker bar and extension totaling about 16". Because my car has the smaller 8mm bolts with 6mm hex heads a longer bar is no help since the increased leverage only serves to hasten the small bit rounding the inside of the bolt head.

So then it was time for the torch. I carefully rotated the axle so the bolt I was working on was pointing straight down and therefore furthest away from the starter wiring and in a spot where I had greater control.

The result was that I was able to remove each of the six bolts without rounding the inside of any bolt heads or cutting off any bolt heads or without breaking anything.

I must tell you that even with heat some of the bolts required two or three applications before the bolt loosened up. In those cases, I would apply the heat then quickly try to loosen the bolt. When a bolt required more than one application of heat you could feel the bolt turn slightly with a audible creak then stop and not budge. Then I would repeat applying heat and trying to loosen until the bolt finally broke loose.

So far, while working to do my first engine and tranmission drop, loosening these bolts was the second most difficult job I've faced. The first was loosening the fitting connecting the engine hard oil line with the flexible hose going to the thermostat. I did this without damaging either line but it required making two
3 1/2' long steel extension bars for my 10" and 15" adjustable wrenches in order to have enough leverage to brake the fitting loose without the end of the hard line moving.

I'm sure there will be other challenges along the way to my first engine drop. You guys will be the first to hear when I return for more advice.

This site is great and the only reason I decided to buy my 911.

Thanks for the help.