Corroded Head Bolts

[etemplet]

The "Cylinder Head Cover " bolts on the SPI are stuck bad I should probably take a picture but I drilled holes into the sides of the casing and into the bolts to get some penetrating oil into the threads. I inserted some small fuel hose into the holes and filled the hose with penetrant. We'll see if the stuff gets in there and loosens the corrosion so I can remove the bolts.

I don't need to remove the head but at some point I'll need access so I am taking a cautious patient approach. If they don't come out, I'll leave them alone for now.

Any ideas ??

 

[Matt Braley]

On those salt use engines I just try not to remove any more then I have to. Once you break bolts now your needing replacement cylinders and more. Sounds like you have already done some irreversible things there with the drilling though. Heat really helps get them out but you can't reach many areas that you need to with the torch on head bolts. I would run it for all it's worth and then tear it apart when you have to saving as many parts as you can. Good used parts can be found on ebay reasonably.

 

[etemplet]

My mistake... not head bolts but the head cover bolts. No damage done to anything. I am a machinist by trade. I can get drill all the bolts out but I'd rather avoid this if I can. Hence... being proactive with getting some lubricant into the threaded area. I was just wondering if there was a chemical that does a really good job with aluminum oxidation.

So basically, the penetrant should be getting into the oxidation thus softening and lubricating. The tubes hold an amount of penetrant so that as it is absorbed and there is a ready supply to continue the process when I am away. Automatic. I'm not putting heat on this area at present.