Nasty bolt removal

Jim M

Jim M

Senior Member
I am trying to remove the bottom starter bolt on my 29 Std Roadster. I am going to install the battery cut off switch I bought from Bratton's. First question. A 9/16 wrench is too big, but a 1/2 won't go on. I tried a 14 mm and it fits but not exactly tight. Bolt doesn't want to budge. I put pressure on the wrench (as much as a 71 yr old can...lol) but didn't want to hit it with a hammer and break it. Does anyone know what size it should be?? Also if I can get my impact wrench on it would that be advisable? Thanks much. Jim
 
jim he bolt has got to go: do what ever it takes, maybe someone cross threaded the bolt when it was installed: use a breaker bar, make up your mind to remove the (*OIE#LEWJL thing and do it!
 
It should be a 9/16" bolt head. But whatever, give it a good soak with penetrating oil, maybe apply some heat, and try it clockwise first, then back. Sometimes that will break them loose.
 
Use a 9/16 socket with a couple extensions and a breaker bar or rachet. The extensions will get the rachet out past the end of the starter so you can put some muscle on it without the starter interfering with your action.
 
Lots of ideas. I have found that an impact wrench (which produces a series of shocks rather than a gradual increase in torque) with a 6 point socket often loosens a stubborn bolt. Plus it requires no muscle power.
 
Sometimes if the socket won't go over the head,because it's Bugered up, you can drive it on with a hammer. That way the socket has the most possible grip, to loosen the bolt.
 
I had a rounded off oil pan drain plug on another vehicle and I battled and battled trying to figure out how to get it out. Finally went to YouTube and a fellow there said without a doubt a plumbers wrench would do the trick---low and behold it worked first time like a champ. They make all different sizes that I think you can get on there. May sound bizarre but give it a try. I was amazed.
 
use a 9/16 6 point impact socket,as you try to loosen it smack the breaker bar with a hammer,you could also try some heat on it.
 
If it's hopeless to get a socket on the bolt, and you can get room; sometimes a hammer and chisel will do the job. Place the chisel tip an the edge of the bolt head and hammer away. If it loosens, the vice grips could finish the job. Counterclockwise!
 
OR,if you've tried everything else, AND you have access,Take a nut,and mig weld it to this bolt,that you cant remove.let it cool,turn it out...
 
I use 14mm and 9/16 interchangeably all the time. If a 14 fits, its a 9/16.
I would say if it's that bad use good tools. I use snap-on.
 
If all else fails using a 6 point 9/16" socket then buy the socket set sold by Irwin for removing bolts with corners that have been rounded off. I bought a set afew years ago, they are expensive and not often needed but great to have when you do need them. Rod
 
Jim,

Sometimes it's hard to tell what's going on without a picture, but your explanation was good. You got some great advise here. One of the methods is bound to work. The only thing I would add, is to leave the other two starter bolts in place to help with the alignment and reduce binding of the third bolt.

I'll be watching for your victory post.

Good luck, Bill
 
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