REMOVING STRIPPED BOLTS ON THERMOSTAT HOUSING

[cobra44]

I have a 97 Ford F350 dually with a power stroke engine.
I decided to replace the thermostat as the engine was not running hot enough.
Well, I started taking out the 3 thermostat housing bolts, one came loose while the other two just spun with stripped heads.
Whoever worked on this before took the heads off. These are 8 mm heads on these.
The thermostat housing is fairly long and I cannot get in between the housing and the engine with a drill or anything.
Anyone have any ideas as to how to get these bolts out?
Any information would be greatly appreciated.

 

[mr.croom]

If the heads of the bolts are that far gone, try a 5/16" socket. If it feels close, but no cigar, try forcing the socket on with a few taps from the head of your ratchet.

Hope this helps.

 

[cobra44]

Thanks for that information. I will try that.

 

[gettysburg]

Grind or cut the bolt head off, remove housing and thermostat
remove rest of the bolt with vise grips.

 

[cobra44]

I cannot get in there to cut it off or even use vise grips. It is really tight, just big enough for a socket.
Thanks for the information.

 

[xdealer]

They make a socket that fits over the bolt head and works like a stripped screw removal tool. It will screw onto the bolt head and you can then remove it.

 

[cobra44]

Thanks for that information. I will check that out.

 

[snowman]

I think Craftsman makes those; don't know about other companies.

Andy

 

[CAJUNLAWYER]

That's why I don't work on Ford F350's any more
Secret here is to cruise the Courts-find a good mechanic that needs a lawyer and make a "deal" voila-free mechanic for life - just pay for parts and beer.

 

[Rule3]

Irwin Bolt-Grip Extractors/Expanders — 5-Pc. Set | Multi-Drive + Specialty Sets | Northern Tool + Equipment

Grip-Tite Super Socket Rounded Bolt Removers — 7-Pc. SAE Set, Model# 00111 | Multi-Drive + Specialty Sets | Northern Tool + Equipment

Something like these.

 

[caseydog]

When at all possible I set a nut on top of the bolt head then weld them inside the nut, voila! new head on the bolt.

Ray

 

[cobra44]

Thanks for all the replies.
Caj - if I were a lawyer, I would try that.
I found the IRWIN Bolt Grip that a link was posted here for at my local NAPA. I cannot believe that it was only 21.95 for the same set. Now to try it out tomorrow.

 

[cp1969]

As someone mentioned, you can take a 12-point socket that is slightly smaller than 8mm and DRIVE it onto the bolt head. The action of driving it on tends to loosen things up at the same time. I've done this with hex head and socket head cap screws. For an 8mm, a 5/16 socket ought to work. If you can, apply a little bit of counterclockwise torque while driving it on. They usually pop loose unless corrosion has welded them together. Good luck.

 

[Class III]

It's a FORD. "FLIP OVER, READ DIRECTIONS"

Class III

 

[DeadAye]

I would hose 'em down with PB Blaster and let them soak for like 15 minutes - Then hit them with something (a punch?) and then PB 'em and give it a few minutes again --- THEN remove them.