OZ951

Having started the disassembly of my 951 engine it didn't take long to get stopped by the fact that several bolts require special 12 point star shaped bits. Ie clutch gear ring, Cam sprocket and I believe the flywheel bolts also use the same pattern.

I see that vertex has a 12mm bit and Automotion has a 12mm 12 point bit for the flywheel and an 8mm 12 point bit also. For those who have done rebuilds before, is the 8mm bit for the Cam sprocket ?

I have not been able to find anything smaller than 8mm yet it looks like the clutch ring gear bolts are only 6-7mm. Does anyone know the exact size bit for these bolts and where I can get a suitable bit.

Lastly if anyone knows where I can buy these bits for less than $26 a piece please let me know. I have searched the net without much luck so far.

Thanks,
Wayne

Untier

pep boys carries the set of 4 for abouy $12-15

Tabor

Baxter caries them too.

pikey7

Anyone with online ordering? Nipping down to Pepboys from Sweden's a bit difficult

Thanks guys

Greg Hammond

Vertex Auto sells these tools. I know some people don't like dealing with Vertex, but I've had nothing but glowing success with them... and I've bought quite nearly $10,000 worth of parts through them (maybe that's why I've had such good luck, eh?)
www.vertexauto.com

They're very common on quite a few Volkswagen models as well. Even in Sweden, you should be able to find them at your local auto parts store in the specialty tool section.

The CV axles on the 944/951 have 8mm 12-pt triple-square bolts too. Despite the fact that they are easier to strip than 6-pt bolts, the bolt head itself is significant stronger than their 6-pt cousins.

General tip for removing 12-pt bolts: Make VERY sure they're cleaned out and your tool is fully inserted into the bolt before turning it. I usually tap mine with a mallet just to be sure it's fully seated. If you strip one, you're gonna have a LOT more work to do.

Greg

OZ951

Thanks for the info guys. I'll get myself to a Pep Boys shortly. I have dealt with Vertex in the past - they were a little slow to deliver but otherwise OK. In fact I was planning on buying a lot of the gaskets & seals etc from them (for the rebuild of my engine) I'll prolly get a new Ac compressor while I am at it - unless anyone has any particular issues with the quality of their parts that is.

Thanks again.
Wayne.

OZ951

Update on the bolt situation - I bought the Pep Boys 12 point sockets - unfortunately they are a poor fit. I managed to remove three bolts before stripping the fourth. Before going on I will purchase the German made versions of these tools - fortunately I found the distributor zelander home page the tools cost 15.40-16.50-20.00 for the 8, 10 and 12mm versions. The part numbers are 990-8, 990-10, 990-12 resepectively.


Wayne.

Julian Allen

You can also get them from SnapOn or Mac Tools online.
One advantage of the SnapOn line is that the triple square needed for the CV joint bolts is available "long" which allows the tool to clear the bellows easily.

Untier

i clean the socket out first and lightly tap it in, ive never stripped 1 in years. i guess it all depends on whos turning the wrench.

Roy LaZelle

I use a dental pick to scrape the gunk out of the triple square. I then give it a squrt of carb cleaner. --Roy--

Renntag

The best bet is a german tool maker (ie: Hazet), or snap-on, or mac. I have never stripped one. Just clean it and excercise 'good wrench-man ship' (LOL).

Nothing but good things to say about Vertex. I have ordered gaskets, engine parts and emblems from them. I have allways been surprised how quickly the packages arrive at my door.

A/C: I installed Vertex's 'Sanden' upgrade kit about 4 years ago. I am totally pleased, my A/C still cranks. Be sure to evac, and replace o-rings.