Tech / General Engine Is your car making a strange sound or won't start? Thinking of adding power with a new combination? Need other technical information or engine specific advice? Don't see another board for your problem? Post it here!

Some ideas for a stuck bolt?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 06-28-2023, 10:10 AM
  #1  
Senior Member

Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
 
Annihilate's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Michigan
Posts: 671
Received 16 Likes on 16 Posts
Car: 1988 IROC-Z/G92
Engine: 5.0
Transmission: T-5
Axle/Gears: BW 3.45 Eaton Truetrac
Some ideas for a stuck bolt?

Hey ya'll,

Finally getting my car back together however I have ran into a problem.

The fill plug for my t5 transmission is super jacked up.

What are some ideas on going about getting this out? I've tried a heat gun and some vice grips but I am having some trouble.

Any other ideas?

Thanks!
Old 06-28-2023, 10:14 AM
  #2  
Supreme Member

iTrader: (2)
 
mikeceli's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: S. UTAH
Posts: 1,246
Likes: 0
Received 163 Likes on 135 Posts
Car: 1989 IROC-Z 305 LB9 AT Convertible
Engine: LB9 305
Transmission: AT
Re: Some ideas for a stuck bolt?

If you have the tools and ability, weld a nut on the end and use a socket or wrench.. If you have to drill it out, "Left Hand" drill bits are much better than standard, "Right Hand" bits. Good Luck !
Old 06-28-2023, 10:23 AM
  #3  
Senior Member

Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
 
Annihilate's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Michigan
Posts: 671
Received 16 Likes on 16 Posts
Car: 1988 IROC-Z/G92
Engine: 5.0
Transmission: T-5
Axle/Gears: BW 3.45 Eaton Truetrac
Re: Some ideas for a stuck bolt?

Thanks for the tip! Unfortunately I don't have the tools to weld something on, I was thinking about drilling it out, but I am a bit concerned about getting flakes into the case.

Is there something like superglue or that putty that hardens I could use in place of welding? This is one of the the last things I need to do before doing a test drive of some of my new parts, so I'd like to take care of it.
Old 06-28-2023, 10:46 AM
  #4  
Supreme Member

iTrader: (2)
 
mikeceli's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: S. UTAH
Posts: 1,246
Likes: 0
Received 163 Likes on 135 Posts
Car: 1989 IROC-Z 305 LB9 AT Convertible
Engine: LB9 305
Transmission: AT
Re: Some ideas for a stuck bolt?

I can not imagine an adhesive stronger than the bond, between the threads on the drain plug and the threads in the hole. What kind of plug are you dealing with? NPT (National Pipe Thread) or straight thread plug with a washer-head and sealing washer?
Old 06-28-2023, 11:00 AM
  #5  
Senior Member

Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
 
Annihilate's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Michigan
Posts: 671
Received 16 Likes on 16 Posts
Car: 1988 IROC-Z/G92
Engine: 5.0
Transmission: T-5
Axle/Gears: BW 3.45 Eaton Truetrac
Re: Some ideas for a stuck bolt?

Uhhh, it looks like this, NPT.


The inside has been essentially rounded.
Old 06-28-2023, 11:34 AM
  #6  
Supporter/Moderator

iTrader: (7)
 
ShiftyCapone's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: Cincinnati, OH
Posts: 13,247
Likes: 0
Received 392 Likes on 299 Posts
Car: '90 RS
Engine: 377 LSX
Transmission: Magnum T56
Re: Some ideas for a stuck bolt?

Is the trans empty of fluid? Or do you need to drain it. If it is already empty, just fill though the shifter and you won't ever have to worry about that plug. It is has fluid, you'll have to get an easy out in there. Welding a threaded stud into it is also an option if you have that capability.
Old 06-28-2023, 12:29 PM
  #7  
Senior Member

Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
 
Annihilate's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Michigan
Posts: 671
Received 16 Likes on 16 Posts
Car: 1988 IROC-Z/G92
Engine: 5.0
Transmission: T-5
Axle/Gears: BW 3.45 Eaton Truetrac
Re: Some ideas for a stuck bolt?

There is fluid inside, I'm just positive it's a bit low. I can't tell how much I have.

I'm gonna wail on it a bit more when I get home later before finishing up my new spark plug wires.
Old 06-28-2023, 02:54 PM
  #8  
Supreme Member
 
Komet's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2021
Location: WA
Posts: 1,051
Received 377 Likes on 278 Posts
Car: 1989 IROC-Z
Engine: L98 350 TPI
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: BW 9 Bolt / 2.77 Posi
Re: Some ideas for a stuck bolt?

The tool you need is known as a Multi-Spline Screw Extractor. I would probably try it without heat first, and if that doesn't work, add heat.
Old 06-29-2023, 02:41 AM
  #9  
Member

 
stew'86MCSS396's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: honolulu
Posts: 185
Likes: 0
Received 10 Likes on 10 Posts
Car: '86MCSS
Engine: 396 .030"
Transmission: M20
Re: Some ideas for a stuck bolt?

Out of curiosity what square/size drive tool are we using in that square hole to remove that drain plug. I got a few T5s under the house but too lazy to go into the crawl space to look at what you're dealing with.
Suppose the right tool may have solve some of the problems...
Removing a similar plug on the cylinder head, I took a grinder to a bolt and ground it to a square taper. Couple of taps with a hammer before hitting it with impact gun got it out with no fuss...sorry I know, this might work before it was jacked up

Last edited by stew'86MCSS396; 06-29-2023 at 03:18 AM.
Old 06-29-2023, 06:41 AM
  #10  
Senior Member

Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
 
Annihilate's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Michigan
Posts: 671
Received 16 Likes on 16 Posts
Car: 1988 IROC-Z/G92
Engine: 5.0
Transmission: T-5
Axle/Gears: BW 3.45 Eaton Truetrac
Re: Some ideas for a stuck bolt?

Originally Posted by Komet
The tool you need is known as a Multi-Spline Screw Extractor. I would probably try it without heat first, and if that doesn't work, add heat.
I purchased a kit of these, they look handy, will try it out later today.

Thanks for the tip.
Old 06-29-2023, 06:43 AM
  #11  
Senior Member

Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
 
Annihilate's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Michigan
Posts: 671
Received 16 Likes on 16 Posts
Car: 1988 IROC-Z/G92
Engine: 5.0
Transmission: T-5
Axle/Gears: BW 3.45 Eaton Truetrac
Re: Some ideas for a stuck bolt?

Originally Posted by stew'86MCSS396
Out of curiosity what square/size drive tool are we using in that square hole to remove that drain plug. I got a few T5s under the house but too lazy to go into the crawl space to look at what you're dealing with.
Suppose the right tool may have solve some of the problems...
Removing a similar plug on the cylinder head, I took a grinder to a bolt and ground it to a square taper. Couple of taps with a hammer before hitting it with impact gun got it out with no fuss...sorry I know, this might work before it was jacked up
I think I tried to use just a plain 3/8 wrench in there. However I don't think I was seated all the way during the first few attempts. It's in there unreasonably tight. I heard some people put Teflon around the threads in order to have an easier time getting it out? Might do this with my new bolts when I get this out.
Old 06-29-2023, 12:20 PM
  #12  
Supreme Member

iTrader: (2)
 
RedLeader289's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Louisville, KY
Posts: 2,485
Received 108 Likes on 88 Posts
Car: 1983 Z28
Engine: 385 Fastburn
Transmission: T-5
Axle/Gears: BorgWarner 9-bolt posi, 3.27 gears
Re: Some ideas for a stuck bolt?

Originally Posted by Annihilate
I think I tried to use just a plain 3/8 wrench in there. However I don't think I was seated all the way during the first few attempts. It's in there unreasonably tight. I heard some people put Teflon around the threads in order to have an easier time getting it out? Might do this with my new bolts when I get this out.
Get a ratchet you don't care about, whatever size it needs to be to fit in the square hole, and a really long pipe. Like, the 4' handle for a floor jack, long.

Use the leverage and it'll break loose.
I wouldn't put teflon tape on it, i'd just wire brush it really good and wipe it with oil before putting it back. Whoever put it in there probably just cranked on it.
Old 06-29-2023, 03:07 PM
  #13  
Senior Member

Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
 
Annihilate's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Michigan
Posts: 671
Received 16 Likes on 16 Posts
Car: 1988 IROC-Z/G92
Engine: 5.0
Transmission: T-5
Axle/Gears: BW 3.45 Eaton Truetrac
Re: Some ideas for a stuck bolt?

Originally Posted by RedLeader289
Get a ratchet you don't care about, whatever size it needs to be to fit in the square hole, and a really long pipe. Like, the 4' handle for a floor jack, long.

Use the leverage and it'll break loose.
I wouldn't put teflon tape on it, i'd just wire brush it really good and wipe it with oil before putting it back. Whoever put it in there probably just cranked on it.
There's no way I'm putting the old one back in when I get it out lol. I got replacements already.

Anyone know the torque spec for these?
Old 06-29-2023, 03:37 PM
  #14  
Supreme Member

iTrader: (2)
 
RedLeader289's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Louisville, KY
Posts: 2,485
Received 108 Likes on 88 Posts
Car: 1983 Z28
Engine: 385 Fastburn
Transmission: T-5
Axle/Gears: BorgWarner 9-bolt posi, 3.27 gears
Re: Some ideas for a stuck bolt?

Originally Posted by Annihilate

Anyone know the torque spec for these?
I always just snug it, not really tight at all compared to other bolts. Similar to spark plugs in aluminum heads, if that helps lol
Old 06-30-2023, 03:36 PM
  #15  
Senior Member

Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
 
Annihilate's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Michigan
Posts: 671
Received 16 Likes on 16 Posts
Car: 1988 IROC-Z/G92
Engine: 5.0
Transmission: T-5
Axle/Gears: BW 3.45 Eaton Truetrac
Re: Some ideas for a stuck bolt?

Wellp, I used the tool, got a couple good pulls on it, potentially even saw the bolt move a hair, though now I'm doubting myself.

I'm angry and defeated. I suppose the next step is to find someone with a welder cause I'm at a loss.

One of the primary issues is that I cant really fit a hammer between the space to properly tap it in, though id say I got it pretty tight maybe 5 times and I'm all out of juice.

I don't even know how its possible to be in there so tight.

Now the hole is rounded. Here are some pics for fun.






Old 06-30-2023, 03:56 PM
  #16  
Supreme Member

iTrader: (1)
 
sofakingdom's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2005
Posts: 26,123
Received 1,688 Likes on 1,283 Posts
Car: Yes
Engine: Usually
Transmission: Sometimes
Axle/Gears: Behind me somewhere
Re: Some ideas for a stuck bolt?

That's messed up with a capital F.

Looks like time for a right-angle drill with LOTS of grease on it, and drill it out to about ½", and use one of the square type bolt extractors on it. You might need to wizz-wheel the drill bits and bolt extractor off real short.

It's not really all that tight; it just goes into aluminum after all. Just a pipe plug. Problem is, once that square drive (which is some oddball size, don't ask me why some numbnutz thought THAT was A Good Idea) gets damaged, it's all over with.

Get a brass one at the hardware store that has a drive that sticks out instead of having a socket of any kind. Most commonly they are square but there are hex-drive ½" pipe plugs too. Use Teflon tape or Teflon pipe sealer on it. It's not necessary to torque it to more than 15 ft-lbs or so.
The following users liked this post:
T.L. (06-30-2023)
Old 06-30-2023, 03:56 PM
  #17  
Supreme Member

iTrader: (2)
 
RedLeader289's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Louisville, KY
Posts: 2,485
Received 108 Likes on 88 Posts
Car: 1983 Z28
Engine: 385 Fastburn
Transmission: T-5
Axle/Gears: BorgWarner 9-bolt posi, 3.27 gears
Re: Some ideas for a stuck bolt?

Jeez 😳😳

Have you tried lowering the crossmember and seeing if you can tilt the motor enough to give you more room?
Old 07-01-2023, 01:28 AM
  #18  
Supreme Member
 
Komet's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2021
Location: WA
Posts: 1,051
Received 377 Likes on 278 Posts
Car: 1989 IROC-Z
Engine: L98 350 TPI
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: BW 9 Bolt / 2.77 Posi
Re: Some ideas for a stuck bolt?

I'd try drilling it out and going up a size on the extractor. If it gets enough purchase, it'll bust loose. Add heat to the equation. Alternatively, you could cut a notch in it and try to chisel shock it free, but there's potential to damage the case if you miss.

Maybe use a left hand drill bit so if it augers you'll either break the seal or your wrist.
Old 07-01-2023, 06:23 AM
  #19  
Member
 
BBCSwap's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2021
Location: Central Michigan
Posts: 317
Received 42 Likes on 34 Posts
Engine: SBC 400 Carb
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 28 spline 323 gears
Re: Some ideas for a stuck bolt?

Are you able to get a pipe wrench on it?
Old 07-02-2023, 11:56 AM
  #20  
Member

iTrader: (1)
 
gwarren007's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Safford, AZ
Posts: 409
Received 14 Likes on 12 Posts
Car: 1992 RS
Engine: 305 (LO3)
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 2.73?
Re: Some ideas for a stuck bolt?

get a faucet seat wrench, trim till its snug.

Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
gta90
Tech / General Engine
8
03-02-2019 02:17 PM
iroc stangs
Tech / General Engine
6
05-29-2013 09:01 PM
iroc stangs
Tech / General Engine
4
03-10-2011 08:25 PM
Codename 47
Tech / General Engine
3
05-21-2006 07:02 PM
jfawcett10
Tech / General Engine
9
08-27-2004 01:32 PM



Quick Reply: Some ideas for a stuck bolt?



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 10:27 PM.