namasgt

I would not use gas torch, becuace its not aluminum your trying to expand. the valve cover bolt, bolts on to a steel insert that has been pressed in to the aluminum head (I'm 98% sure its steel). if you heat it the whole thing might come loose and when you turn it, it might damage the aluminum hole. look closely to the picture the aluminum head is not treaded but a treaded steel insert is pressed in there. so what would be the point of heating it they will both expand at the same time.

and use PB as merlin said you can get it from autozone, WD40 is useless in these situations.

the flyin' scotsman

It is a pressed in sleeve..........not sue of the material.

Also, WD40 burns...........be careful when heating.

Mrmerlin

there is a steel insert in the head, but if you heat the head then the steel should also expand.
As mentioned earlier use a mapp gas torch it gets things hot faster, you not trying to make the steel glow just heat the area so to let the metals have a chance to expand, if the bolt was installed with locktite then heat will let it loosen or if the bolt was installed with the head warm then this heating should expand it some. At this point you dont have many optons

Peter F

What is the full name of PB to look for?
I do not think it is available here in Sweden but I should be able to buy a can when in the US next week.

Thanks/Peter

Black Sea RD

Hi Peter,

The full name is "PB Blaster" and it comes in a bright yellow spray can that has cartoon like drawings on it. When I first saw the can I didn't think it was a worthwhile product. But it is the choice of many pro mechanics for stuck fastners. Most automotive parts stores have it, just ask at the counter.

Hope that helps and safe travels,
Constantine

LT Texan

Here's the Acetone and PSF I used 50:50 with great results. (After I used Liquid Wrench, PB Blaster, Kroil and anything else I could find.)

Peter F

Thanks Constantine,
that gives me a good enogh idea what to look for
Flying over tomorrow and will go snowmobiling in the rockies over the weekend as a good warmup for a week of work;-)
Interesting cocktail Dan, might be something to try as well

/Peter

mark kibort

that should be easy. twist at near the top with a vice grip and tap lightly with a mallet. if it breaks, it will break up top and still give you something to twist with. a little heat from the soldering gun is a great idea. I dont think this will be any issue to get out.
mk

the flyin' scotsman

Peter...........send a PM if your in the Canadian Rockies; our farm is in the foothills in SW Alberta where you can snowmobile all day long.

Peter F

Hi Malcolm and thanks,
I will meet some people from Canada and i heard there has been a cold winter so far.
will be on the Denver side though

/Peter

SharkSkin

Dan, do the acetone and PSF stay mixed or do they stratify over time?

Peter F

Hi all,
just back from Colorado and brought a lifetime supply of PB blaster with me home(3 cans)
I have just sprayed the stuck bolt and will do it again in a while before trying again.
But I guess the key here is the heat to get it moving again.
Probably need a new and better vicegrip as well so need to go shopping this afternoon.

/Peter

derporsche928

+1
Get your Vice Grip on it, then heat it....
Then put an even pressure on the Vice Grip while tapping the top of what's left of the bolt with a hammer.... Should come out with no problem.... I wouldn't imagine it could be, but if the bolt is bottomed-out in the hole, it will fight you tooth and nail, and you may still end up drilling and E-Z-Outing..... I'd suggest biting the bullet and going this route before breaking the bolt off completely flush, that way you'll have a better reference on drill size and angle... Start with a smaller drill then work your way up only to the size of the smallest E-Z-Out..... (maybe 3mm, tops) The drill should break thru to an open area under the bolt, meaning it isn't bottomed-out.
(Judge your hole depth and bolt lengths from the other good ones)
Then put more penetrant in the hole, and go at it again after an overnight soak..... Good luck....

928autobahndreamer

Lifetime supply? Wow, I hope my life lasts longer than that. Come to think of it, in the last 3 years, I have used about 3 cans of PB blaster.

Anyway, I'll bet with a good solid grip with a new set of vice grips and it should twist right out.

Peter F

Well well time will show, may need to go back for some more of this stuff, haha.
Still havent had time to buy the new pair of vicegrips but wil try tomorrow.
Thanks for all advice given here

/Peter