Stuck Head Bolt

I have a head bolt that is stuck on my mustang V6

Access is ok for a 1/2 drive socket. I used a 6 point socket on it and it just rounded off the corners. I have applied heat but this did not help at all. I was thinking of getting one of the sears bolt out socket sets. Anyone use one of them?

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00952061000P?vName=Tools&cName=Mechanics&AutoTools&sName=Taps%20&%20 Diesmv=rr#

The bolts are flanged so the extractor will only be able to go so far down and not dig in to the head.

Because I have the headers off the head but not out of he car getting a grinder or a drill in there is not going to work. I really need a cutting torch (I don't have one at the moment as mine was borrowed and went missing).

Anyone have any ideas? I can post photos if it helps of the offending bolt in the head.

Ohya I don't care what happens to the bolt I have a replacement set as these are torque to yield.

If you can fit a mig gun in there, you could weld a nut to it.

maybe hammer on an impact socket of smaller size... .02 worf

dean1484 wrote: The bolts are flanged so the extractor will only be able to go so far down and not dig in to the head.

I've used those things before with mixed results. My top concern is that they produce a lot of little metal shavings when they dig into the bolt. Not something I'd worry about on a suspension bit, but if this is in the oiled part of your engine...

I'm trying to recall what combination of things had to happen for them to work. If the bolt head is soft, they will round off the corners very, very quickly. You definitely need to use one that is just barely big enough to pound onto the bolt. I'm afraid you'll find that flange will not be your friend here, as it will allow the extractor to sit unevenly, so that when you hit it the next time to engage it better, it'll just bounce around. (creating more shavings).

They may work for you, just remember that they will need a lot more clearance around the head than even a thick, cheap socket does. Make sure you choose the right size and pound the damn thing on really, really hard.

Good luck

Well. Went and got the set and... ..... . . . . Worked perfectly!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Took the one that said ti was for a 15mm put it on the bolt and tapped it till it bottomed. Put the breaker bar on it and it cracked loose like all the other ones. When they work they are a great tool!!!!!

I was not worried about shavings as it is the bottom bolt by the exhaust port. On the 3.8l V6's motors the bottom set of head bolts are outboard of the valve covers under the header tubes so even if there were shavings it would not have been an issue.

Thanks for the help All!!!!

Now time for a cold libation and to ponder all the cleaning I have to do before I start the reassembly.

Nice to know they work, thanks for posting.

+1 cold libation