KB owners...need help (step 62)

[2000 4.6]

Ok, I start my KB install on Sunday. I almost got through the entire dissasembly process and ended on step 60 which was taping over the ports on the cylinder heads. So last night I wanted to knock out a few more steps but I am freakin stuck on step 62 which is removing the 13mm bolt holding the heater tube bracket down to the back of the block. I cannot even budge it. Is there a trick? I even had someone holding the EGR tube back out of the way. It isn't one of those wierd bolts that threads backwards is it (righty loosy, lefty tighty)? I was pulling/pushing towards the driver side to loosen it. But like I said it would not budge. That is such a pain...I spent over an hour on one stupid bolt.

Any tips??

 

[2000BLKGT]

Ok, I start my KB install on Sunday. I almost got through the entire dissasembly process and ended on step 60 which was taping over the ports on the cylinder heads. So last night I wanted to knock out a few more steps but I am freakin stuck on step 62 which is removing the 13mm bolt holding the heater tube bracket down to the back of the block. I cannot even budge it. Is there a trick? I even had someone holding the EGR tube back out of the way. It isn't one of those wierd bolts that threads backwards is it (righty loosy, lefty tighty)? I was pulling/pushing towards the driver side to loosen it. But like I said it would not budge. That is such a pain...I spent over an hour on one stupid bolt.

Any tips??

If I recall...the instructions say "painfully remove"!!!...that bolt is a ******

 

[2000 4.6]

Painful doesn't even describe it! I am tempted to take a hacksaw blade to it and cut the end off so I can get to the bolt with a socket. My 1/4 socket and ratchet does fit back there but the end sticks out so far you need a deep socket...which does not fit back there. I just can't get enough torque on it to break it loose partially because I can't get a good grip on the combo wrench.

 

[mrpositraction]

Painful doesn't even describe it! I am tempted to take a hacksaw blade to it and cut the end off so I can get to the bolt with a socket. My 1/4 socket and ratchet does fit back there but the end sticks out so far you need a deep socket...which does not fit back there. I just can't get enough torque on it to break it loose partially because I can't get a good grip on the combo wrench.

I used a small wrench, it took us at least 20 min. to take out and then when you get it out, you get to put it back in. When you are done, your finger will be sore. It helped me that my buddy helping was tall and skinny, he got his arm back there.

 

[2000 4.6]

Thanks mrpositraction...the bolt does go righty tighty, lefty loosy, right?? Just want to make sure it is not a reverse thread bolt or something. Like I said I was standing on the driver side pulling towards me to loosen it. It wouldn't even budge. Does it have locktite on it?

 

[MT1083]

I actually never had a problem with that bolt for some reason. Mine unscrewed with no problems...maybe mine was screwed up from the factory.

 

[2000 4.6]

I think I am in trouble. I worked on the bolt last night for a good 2 hours. I tried everything. Now, the bolt head looks like it is starting to round off. I swear I think that thing has loctite or something on it. I haven't even been able to budge it.

I am screwed!! What should I do?? I am thinking of taking it to Ford or an authorized KB installer. The only problem is I am going to have to get it towed there because half of my engine is apart.

 

[mrpositraction]

I think I am in trouble. I worked on the bolt last night for a good 2 hours. I tried everything. Now, the bolt head looks like it is starting to round off. I swear I think that thing has loctite or something on it. I haven't even been able to budge it.

I am screwed!! What should I do?? I am thinking of taking it to Ford or an authorized KB installer. The only problem is I am going to have to get it towed there because half of my engine is apart.

Try putting some penetrating oil on the bolt. I am almost positive it was right tight lefty loosy. Is your problem that you can't get a good grip or are getting grip and not being able to budge it. All that bolt does is hold a heater hose. I would think if the fer doesn't come off, cut the old heater hose and somehow tie the new on off. You will never see it way back there any ways. If you are able to get at grip on it, get a cheater bar (3ft pipe), something will give then, might the bolt, wrench, or bolt shaft.

 

[2000 4.6]

Well, I could get a grip on it but I just couldn't budge it. I soaked it in WD-40 and let it sit over night....still nothing.

 

[MT1083]

i would definitely try a breaker bar or a 3' pipe over a wrench to get it off. If the bolt is already rounded off, just buy some of those sockets that remove rounded off bolts.

 

[instangator]

If you can get a torch in there try heating up the bolt then cooling it off with ice. It should back right out then.

 

[highvolts]

PB Blaster is the best "penetrating oil" get it at autozone. WD-40 wont touch it.

 

[2000 4.6]

Cool, thanks for the advice guys! I went to Sears last night and bought the special sockets for rounded, rusted, painted bolts. I will go to autozone tonight and buy some of that PB Blaster.

This bolt has pissed me off but it is not going to get the best of me!!!


I talked to Ken at Kenne Bell and he said he thinks Ford started with this one bolt, then built the mustang around it. I think I believe him.

 

[2000 4.6]

Thanks for all of the suggestions guys. This weekend, after spending days trying to get this bolt off, I finally decided it was time for a professional. I towed the car to a machine shop and they actually had to weld a socket to the bolt in order to get it out. The bolt was so tight, even after he broke it loose could not unscrew it with his fingers. He said it had a white substance all over the threads...he thinks it was thread locker. Anyways, $250 later, I am back to the install.

I will keep you all posted.

 

[Dan_Soprano]

Thanks for all of the suggestions guys. This weekend, after spending days trying to get this bolt off, I finally decided it was time for a professional. I towed the car to a machine shop and they actually had to weld a socket to the bolt in order to get it out. The bolt was so tight, even after he broke it loose could not unscrew it with his fingers. He said it had a white substance all over the threads...he thinks it was thread locker. Anyways, $250 later, I am back to the install.

I will keep you all posted.

WOW bro!!! That SUCKS!! When I did the Install on mine awhile ago, I remember that bolt sucking, but not THAT bad........glad you got it taken care of!!

 

[2000 4.6]

WOW bro!!! That SUCKS!! When I did the Install on mine awhile ago, I remember that bolt sucking, but not THAT bad........glad you got it taken care of!!

Yeah, it sucked to say the least. That was certainly an unexpected expense. I am just glad it is done though. I was totally thinking the worst that I was going to have to have the engine pulled, etc. I guess it could always be worse.