I'm looking to replace a head gasket and managed to stripped one of the bolts.

Any tips?

1) Plusgas / PB Blaster?

2) Bolt remover tool like this:

Irwin Bolt Grip Nut Remover

Tried vice grips, but that didn't work

I don't want to use heat with all the oil etc

Thanks

Welcome to the forum!

When you say stripped a bolt, do you mean rounded the head? If so some Irwin removal bits should do the trick. if you mean you've stripped the thread then your in big trouble.

If you've rounded the head of one of the head bolts, you were not using the correct socket. 6, rather than 12 sided socket recommended.

Still, need to know if it is a head bolt you've fubared, and head or thread.

I've rounded the head of the bolt. I used a 12 sided socket -gutted

You might be lucky and be able to get a 6 sided socket still onto it, might take a light hammering to get it on.

Could also try the size down or an imperial socket and try and hammer it on, both things have worked for me in the past on old or already rounded bolts i've come across.

That'll be the cheapest, easiest, solution. And it can't do any damage to prevent a later try with something else.

Hope he gets that sorted OK....

Anyhoo, more info for my impending gasket swap, a good quality 13mm
1/2" drive 6 sided socket on the shopping list...(Snap On ?)

Just to be even more paranoid, do the old head bolts ever snap whilst getting
them out?
Guess that would be curtains for the block....
Exhaust manifold studs look a bit vulnerable as well....told you I was paranoid

The head studs will come out OK as a rule -- often they'll still be attached to the nuts, so it's just a case of soak in a light oil, use the 2 nut trick to get the nut off, and clean up. If they do pull the thread out of the aluminium head, it can be helicoiled (but I've yet to encounter it on these).

Never known a head bolt to snap.

Just about any 6 sided socket will do just fine. Trick is to use a breaker bar initially, one hand on the "working" end of the bar, one hand on the socket end, holding it down and in place. After undoing them all half a turn you can reach for the ratchet.

Thanks mate

My second hand Haynes came today so off for a good read...
Well, it is raining


Phil

Not sure if this is along the right lines but couldn't you just use what we call an easy out or a turnex tool? As we work on planes and the bolts can get their heads rounded, you just drill into the bolt head and use a left hand threaded easy out which then acts as a new bolt head to unscrew the bolt

I suppose of the bolt is hardened then you could aways try a Cobalt or some sort of carbide drill

Jack

the 1 size smaller socket hammered on has always worked for me on countless bolts over the years - even locking wheel nuts with rolling bearing collars it works on. If you have cheap nasty sockets though they tend to crack if its a tough one like a head bolt.

Result, I'm pleased to say all the bolts came off.

Thanks for all the help.

Bought a 13mm hex socket which worked on all but one bolt.

For the last one I hammered on a 12mm 1/2 hex socket and managed to undo it

Relief all round !!

I live in Hertfordshire, does anyone know we're I can get the head cylinder skimmed?

Not a clue. Best place to ask is probably a decent local motor factor (not Halfords, nor Euro Car Parts). If they won't take work in, they'll know someone.