how can I get a bolt off that is so tight that when you try to loosen it ,it just rounds off?

Question

I've been trying to get my alternator off my car for the last 5 hours and I got it free finally after cutting a bolt off then its to big to get out of the engine compartment so I have to remove the brakets and now those bolts are so tight they are just rounding off when I try and loosen them. why is this happening I'm using the right size sockets and I sprayed all kinds of penitration oils on it and still they won't break free. I can't cut them off because I don't want to accidently cut a vacuum line and I can't heat them because its to close to the oil pan and the carberator. and I can't drill them out because there isn't enuf room to get a drill there.

Its a 89 Honda Accord and I can't get vice grips on them or anything and I'm using a 6 point socket, a I can't heat it because I don't want to catch my car on fire. grrrr.

its a old car and like most old cars the engine around the heads and the oil pan is kinda really greasy and oily so I do know grease can start a fire so Naw that aint gonna work.

I know for sure I have no money to get anything I only have $90 and I have to use that to get my new part. I have all kinds of tools around but I just need to know some way of breaking those f*cking things free.

Answer 1

You may be turning them the wrong way

Answer 2

You forgot to mention what kind of car it is...Year/Make/Model/EngineSize.....duh.... it sounds like your only option is to remove the entire section. If you're not sure how to do this maybe you should tow it to your nearest shop and leave it to the professionals. Or, get a repair manual and continue trying to do it yourself. Obviously you're not too well versed with cars or you wouldn't have to ask your question. But, seriously, think about what you're askling! I suppose you were hoping for some magical answer or mechanic's secret, or something that you haven't thought of. I'm a mechanic. That's why we get paid fairly well...it all boils down to just plain hard work....that can be quite a pain in the ***. You've just opened a can of worms and you need to take it to someone who knows how to deal with problems that you cannot figure out. That's why we're here! And, next time, you might get a better answer if your question isn't so lame...and AT LEAST include some information! Otherwise, there's no way anyone can really answer anything.
Chris

Answer 3

they sell this stuff for when you round off bolts that digs in the bolt head the then you are able to take it off. but you do need some heat on them since you dont want to use a flame use a heat gun it takes longer but if your worried about fire thats the best way to go. or just say o well and get the fire on it and just watch what your doing

Answer 4

You need to get a set of wrenches that grab the bolts by the sides, not buy the corners of the bolt. The majority of wrenches grab the bolts by the corners, corners of bolts strip easily. There is a set of wrenches called "Metrwenches" specificly designed to losen rounded of bolts because they grab the bolts by the flat edges (not the corners) allowing you to still loosen stripped bolts . with these wrenches (or something similar)and with a levrage bar it might be possible

Answer 5

you need to get a heat resistant mat to lay on the vacum lines and over teh carb the get vice grips and clamp them on the they wont coe of for ****, then get a trouch and heat around the bolt so the threads loosen if it doesnt work take it to a mecahnic he will do the same thing but better and mroe effieecnt thats his job.

Answer 6

use a 6 point socket for starters. other than that it sounds like cheep bolts what brand of car is this

vise grips or a pipe wrench might help

Answer 7

you need to use something that will actually bite into the bolt. try some vice grips. if that doesnt work, try putting a terry cloth between the bolt and the vice grip. it will help grab the bolt to turn it.

Answer 8

Heat will not hurt the oil pan unless you place it directly on the pan. Your engine gets very hot 220 degrees. If you are worried about the carb, wrap it with soaking wet rags.

Answer 9

I would empty the oil pan and use heat. Using a torch or some form of heat is your best bet.

Answer 10

Is there a nut on the other end of the bolt that needs to be removed locking it in place?

Answer 11

First and foremost heat it with a benzedrine torch, squirt oil on it and us a pair vice grips.(I may have misspelled the word for the torch) It works every time.