corroded bolts?

[OregonStarchief]

What might be the best advice for removing bolts that are corroded in the threads, I allready broke one trying to remove it.





OregonStarcraft

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: corroded bolts?

Spray (multiple times) it and let sit for a while if you have the time. Then, wiggle it back and forth increasing the turn slightly each time. Heat with a propane torch. It might help.

In reality nothing really works well unless you use an acetylene torch to heat it--but then, the paint is charred and the aluminum may melt.

 

[a1machinista1]

Re: corroded bolts?

ok heres the way.. you will need a oxy/ace set up, with a small tip do NOT use a rose bud! heat the bolt until it is red hot, keep the bolt red for atleast 10-15 seconds. what you need to do is heat the bolt so it actually gets bigger inside the threads, as is cools it shrinks back to size and HOPEFULLY pulls the threads loose.. but usually not, what I found that works is to spray some penetrating lube like aero kroil on the bolt while it cools, but not to much you want to keep the bolt warm..i.e. dont spray the bolt cold with the lubricant.. once the bolt is cold again you need to heat the area AROUND the bolt to pull the threads away from the bolt..remember cast iron you can get red hot, aluminum will pool fairly fast "be careful"... also aluminum disapates heat quickly ,so move a little faster with getting the bolt to start moving... spray some more aero kroil or equiv and start to remove bolt. Also try to tighten the bolt a bit first to break the seal that has occured between the threads, of course this is all good if the bolt is broke off above the surface?? If the bolt is broke off below the surface I have found that the best way is to use a wire feed welder and weld a nut to the end of the broken bolt! It heats the bolt and gives something to grab ahold of!!! Some times it may take a few nuts to get a good weld.. but be patient.... ALL broken bolts and studs can be removed!!!! Be carefull of cheap ez outs and removal tools ...If you break one off, then you get to bring it to me to get out.. and our shop charges $80 an hour... If at all possible take it to a machine shop that has the tools and people with the know how to do it right.. If you are going to go for it, just remember go slow, and think before you make your next move.. and if it starts to go bad STOP and take it to a shop... many pieces I have in our scrap pile because someone went to far!!!! good luck

 

[TexasBayFisher]

Re: corroded bolts?

Penetrating oil.. pb blaster.. wd-40.. hit it with a spray every few hours.
Come back the next day, use a small impact on low power and try a few short bursts. The "shock" pulses from an impacts internal hammer is better than a regular ratchet because ratchets tend to "twist" the bolt and break it. I've removed a lot of bolts from different types of engines using impacts where a ratchet would've definitely snapped off fasteners head. Sometimes it takes a few minutes of letting the impact do its thing, gradually increasing the regulator pressure. If it breaks, there's not much you could've done.

 

[moparman]

Re: corroded bolts?

Also, you need to hit the head of the bolt with a hammer to break the grip between the threads ,and as you come out with it.In my opinion you don't need to get the bolt head red hot ,as that tends to mess with the temper of the bolt and most times makes it brittle enough to shear off. Some heat would be fine as it will expand it and then shoot some type of penetrating fluid at it,and as I said this is only my opinion from what I've experienced before removing stubborn bolts and nuts. Keep us posted on how it goes. moparman

 

[puddle jumper]

Re: corroded bolts?

As you can tell there are many different ways to tackle a seized bolt and the best way is the way that works for you. What ever method you try patience is the key to getting it out. One that works for me is to heat the bolt and then splash some water on it. Do this a couple of times and it should come loose.