Removing Rods... Special Tool?

[brettagostini]

Hi. Me again! )

I'm trying to remove the rods & pistons from the powerhead.

I'm stuck on how to get the rod bolts off without damaging them. The thing is, they are so close to the rod cap that I can't get a socket on them. The space between rod cap and rod bolt is too thin to admit the wall of the socket.

Is there some sort of special thin-walled socket, or other tool, that I need to get these rod bolts off? (The guy at the local auto parts store said to just go look at a variety of socket brands and buy the one that looks thinnest... but that doesn't seem like the "correct" answer. And I couldn't see a noticable difference in the brands he had there in the store.)

 

[F_R]

Re: Removing Rods... Special Tool?

The only thing I found that would work and not break was Snap-on. Of course, that was a long time ago. Still have mine.

 

[R.Johnson]

Re: Removing Rods... Special Tool?

You need a 5/16-12 point socket, Mac, or Snap-On. You need a good quality tool for this job, nothing else will work.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Removing Rods... Special Tool?

Have you tried a 1/4" drive socket set? The sockets for those are thinner walled than the larger sockets. I also ended up buying a 5/16" box wrench and grinding it down to fit the rod bolts on my Merc.

 

[grid]

Re: Removing Rods... Special Tool?

The only way to do the job and not bungle up the bolt heads is to get the SnapOn 5/16 12 point 3/8 drive socket. I think mine was about $35, good for a couple dozen rebuilds a year until it breaks, then it's warranty. Well worth the price to have the right tool.

 

[grid]

Re: Removing Rods... Special Tool?

I forgot: some of the newer 90-degree loopers use 3/8" 12 point bolt heads. Make sure you have the right size!

 

[JCF350]

Re: Removing Rods... Special Tool?

Snap on sells what they call "aircraft sockets" thin wall and stronger than their "normal" ones.

 

[brettagostini]

Re: Removing Rods... Special Tool?

$35 for a socket! Ouch!!!

Could I get a way with a cheaper brand... Craftsmen or one of the brands that AutoZone carries? It wouldn't have to last forever. I probably won't do this job again for years and years.

If I NEED the Snap-On brand, what chain stores sell them? I can't recall seeing them in any of my normal stops.

Chris, I've tried my 1/4" drive set. No good... still too thick.

Thanks guys.

 

[Esox]

Re: Removing Rods... Special Tool?

You can buy the snap on online at their website (snap-on.com) or through a local distributor (truck).

 

[JustJason]

Re: Removing Rods... Special Tool?

$35 for a socket! Ouch!!!

hehe... i have many individual sockets that are double that!! and you wonder why mechanics are expensive.

 

[JCF350]

Re: Removing Rods... Special Tool?

$35 for a socket! Ouch!!!

Could I get a way with a cheaper brand... Craftsmen or one of the brands that AutoZone carries? It wouldn't have to last forever. I probably won't do this job again for years and years.

Craftsman Pro might work. El Cheapo autoparts stores? Not! If NAPA stills sells Proto tools you might give them a shot.

 

[Chinewalker]

Re: Removing Rods... Special Tool?

I got my socket at NAPA. Lasted 3 years before it split and they replaced without a hassle... Less than 10-bucks...
- Scott

 

[samo_ott]

Re: Removing Rods... Special Tool?

I use my 1/4" snap on set that I've had for close to 30 years and it works great. I did have to replace the ratchet once a few years back and it was free and no questions or receipt needed. Also, if you want to buy snap on, talk to your local mechanic also as they usually get good deals.

 

[noelm]

Re: Removing Rods... Special Tool?

even though it is $35 it is still cheap labour for a rebuild!! and you will use it again on something, especially if you do not find out why you need the rebuild now!