5.0 t-stat lower bolt January 12, 2010, 04:31:09 PM I know its been talking about on improving this, but what have you guys done to get the t stat bolt out initially? This is on a stock setup with the ac compressor. I've thrown everything I have at it and I can't seem to get it. I mean wrenches, sockets, everything, suggestions? Quote Selected
5.0 t-stat lower bolt Reply #1 – January 12, 2010, 05:04:20 PM I used an end wrench.Other wise,you can always remove the intake.Maybe you need new intake gaskets anyway. Quote Selected
5.0 t-stat lower bolt Reply #2 – January 12, 2010, 05:15:13 PM Yeah, when I did some work on the 302 in the old '80, that bolt was a pain in my butt. There was no place to get any movement on an end wrench.I *think* I might've cut down a 1/4-drive socket so it was pretty short, and was then able to get it in there. I'd have to dig back and see if I made any notes on it.Use an allen head bolt in its place, and you can then get it with a "wobble" end allen wrench. Quote Selected
5.0 t-stat lower bolt Reply #3 – January 12, 2010, 05:20:54 PM Found my post in my thread.QuoteMy first task of the day was the thermostat...and I'm going to rant here. Whatever IDIOT designed these things and put the lower bolt for the stat housing BEHIND the front cover/water pump needs to be kicked in the junk. I'd forgotten how much of a PITA those were to get to. Nothing worked. Either I could get a wrench in there, but no room to move it, or if there was room to move, it wasn't on the head. I'd noticed a previous owner had slotted that bolt (ie for a screwdriver) but that wasn't going to get it loose. So after some thinking what I wound up doing was chopping down a short 1/4-drive socket so I could get it in there and get it loose, and then I used the screwdriver to finish it up. I almost went digging for an allen head bolt but said screw it since I had the modded socket and I cleaned and anti-siezed the bolts it should be fine next time. Quote Selected
5.0 t-stat lower bolt Reply #4 – January 12, 2010, 05:51:38 PM I used a 1/4 " socket and a swivel, but if it's tight all the way you won't have room to get it out all the way. Quote Selected
5.0 t-stat lower bolt Reply #5 – January 12, 2010, 06:12:38 PM Thanks guys. I thought about cutting down a socket, but with a swivel I thought it would still hit on the top of the water pump. I used one of the "bendy pipe wrenches, they area normal wrench but right before the opening they dip in. I got it out almost all the way, and now the wrench can't fit and its not finger tight... And now its dark.Thanks for the help guys. I'm sure going to hack saw a slot into the bolt. Thats a very good idea! Thank you. Quote Selected
5.0 t-stat lower bolt Reply #6 – January 12, 2010, 09:30:37 PM 1/4 drive swivel socket worked great! I have allen ones now and hardly use it any more Quote Selected
5.0 t-stat lower bolt Reply #7 – January 12, 2010, 09:59:52 PM Quote from: 347Thunder;3061281/4 drive swivel socket worked great! I have allen ones now and hardly use it any moreThats wierd, i couldn't get a 1/4 drive swivel between the thermastat housing and the lip of the waterpump. Quote Selected
5.0 t-stat lower bolt Reply #8 – January 13, 2010, 04:55:26 PM It was a snap on socket they make them pretty small Quote Selected
5.0 t-stat lower bolt Reply #9 – January 13, 2010, 05:28:46 PM I just changed the intake. It was easier :hick: (then again I was doing an intake swap). Quote Selected
5.0 t-stat lower bolt Reply #11 – January 13, 2010, 06:06:43 PM Mine has a slot in it for a screwdriver. after taking the motor apart last week, I now see why it has a slot in it. I just had to loosen the bolt with a wrench, which still was a job and a half. Quote Selected
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