Heat Exchanger End Cap Bolts Seized

[jaminb]

Trying to get the heat exchanger end caps off for an inspection / clean up. The bolts holding the end caps are seized solid - any tips ?

thanks

 

[AllanG]

You could try boiling hot water on the bolts or, sometimes it works if you try tightening the bolt a little, then try undoing them.

 

[coopec]

What material is the heat exchanger made of?
If it is Auminum maybe this video clip is useful?

 

[jaminb]

Thanks. I think if I use the guy in the video techniques I am not certain I would have much of an engine left. I think they are brass studs into an alloy casting

 

[coopec]

Been there, done that.

A rattle-gun maybe?

There's other clips for removing bolts from corroded aluminum castings
loosening bolts corroded alloy casting - Google Search

Good luck!

 

[penfold]

Unhelpful observation; bolts into aluminium is bad engineering practise for something that needs to be accessed for regular servicing, they should be studs and nuts. If access to the heat exchanger allows, changing them to studs it would be a good idea.

An impact wrench as coopec suggests, turned down a fair bit to minimise the risk of "oops", is worth a go. Heat is also worth a go, for preference if access and intestinal fortitude allows blob some weld onto the bolt heads, then go at it with the impact wrench. Giving the bolt heads a good thumping with a hammer and a drift may also help.

 

[MAURICE]

is it possible to clean the tubes in situ. you could try pouring some cleaning agent into both the plastic pipes at each end.

 

[jaminb]

Thanks chaps I did think about pouring brick acid into the exchanger but was worried it might damage the rubber o rings plus I would like a visual inspection. I agree studs would be a better solution and if I can get the dam thing off I will probably thread lock some studs in place.

Job postponed while penetration oil is allowed to do it stuff. Thread to be resumed from the comfort of the hard in January!

 

[Aeolus]

Cautionary tale: when one of the bolts on mine was stiff, I exerted too much force and it broke flush with the body of the heat exchanger. I had to have it drilled out.