Can't reach hex bolt on headers - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Guy Dudebro · 10-13-2014, 04:40 PM

I'm trying to remove the headers from my 350 small block to replace the headers and gasket. I can get a socket around 5 of the hex bolts. But the 6th is behind the curve of the headers and I can't get a socket around it. It's too tight to get with a wrench. Do they make curved sockets ... or something that can help me loosen a bolt in a tight spot?

piecesparts · 10-13-2014, 04:46 PM

For those, I have a ground down combination end wrench. I grind down the boxed end to make it thin,s o that I can use it, then when the bolt is loose, I use the open end to take the bolt out.

Put teflon tape on those bolts and they will turn easier, when you want them to and they will not back out, after you tighten them. It works great and once set, you will not have to retighten them on a regular basis.

**thelonerife** · 10-13-2014, 04:47 PM

sometimes you have to heat and bend a wrenches to do what you want.

dfrank · 10-13-2014, 04:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by piecesparts

For those, I have a ground down combination end wrench. I grind down the boxed end to make it thin,s o that I can use it, then when the bolt is loose, I use the open end to take the bolt out.

Put teflon tape on those bolts and they will turn easier, when you want them to and they will not back out, after you tighten them. It works great and once set, you will not have to retighten them on a regular basis.

I'm gonna try that next time I install headers!

GCncsuHD · 10-13-2014, 05:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thelonerife

sometimes you have to heat and bend a wrenches to do what you want.

To add to that, if you have one local, go to HF and buy a set of wrenches for $5 or so, heat it up and bend it as needed so as to not ruin a good wrench.

Guy Dudebro · 10-13-2014, 05:04 PM

Great! Thanks, may go buy a combination wrench in that size and give it a shot.

Lee H · 10-13-2014, 05:05 PM

How about a stubby open end wrench?

Guy Dudebro · 10-13-2014, 06:00 PM

I tried a couple of wrenches. But its on pretty tight. Ideally would have the torque of a socket.

geezer#99 · 10-13-2014, 06:14 PM

Crowsfoot!!
Like in this link but in a standard (not metric) size.
http://www.harborfreight.com/7-piece...set-94427.html

piecesparts · 10-13-2014, 07:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Guy Dudebro

I tried a couple of wrenches. But its on pretty tight. Ideally would have the torque of a socket.

A wrench doubled up will do the trick. Been there, done that. You could heat it and then try some penetrating liquid.

10-13-2014, 04:40 PM	#1
Guy Dudebro Registered User Join Date: May 2014 Location: Edmond, OK Posts: 72	Can't reach hex bolt on headers I'm trying to remove the headers from my 350 small block to replace the headers and gasket. I can get a socket around 5 of the hex bolts. But the 6th is behind the curve of the headers and I can't get a socket around it. It's too tight to get with a wrench. Do they make curved sockets ... or something that can help me loosen a bolt in a tight spot?

10-13-2014, 04:46 PM	#2
piecesparts Parts and more parts Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Lebo, Kansas (middle of nowhere Posts: 6,821	Re: Can't reach hex bolt on headers For those, I have a ground down combination end wrench. I grind down the boxed end to make it thin,s o that I can use it, then when the bolt is loose, I use the open end to take the bolt out. Put teflon tape on those bolts and they will turn easier, when you want them to and they will not back out, after you tighten them. It works great and once set, you will not have to retighten them on a regular basis. __________________ Frank

10-13-2014, 04:47 PM	#3
thelonerife Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Clarksville TN 37043 Posts: 8,702	Re: Can't reach hex bolt on headers sometimes you have to heat and bend a wrenches to do what you want. __________________ Chuck 68swb Fleetside build ''Choncho'' http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=374892 My trailer redo http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...69#post5893869 Chuy my 59 bug http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=653798 Putnam 87 GMC Shop truck http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=707687

10-13-2014, 05:04 PM	#6
Guy Dudebro Registered User Join Date: May 2014 Location: Edmond, OK Posts: 72	Re: Can't reach hex bolt on headers Great! Thanks, may go buy a combination wrench in that size and give it a shot.

10-13-2014, 05:05 PM	#7
Lee H Registered User Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Upland Ca Posts: 4,147	Re: Can't reach hex bolt on headers How about a stubby open end wrench? __________________ 1972 C10 SWB, Air, PS, PB, 350/350THM. Second owner. 1965 Corvette roadster, 44K miles, 327/365 SHP, 4 speed, side exhaust, knockoffs, teak, second owner (bought in 1970), Have ALL numbers matching components. My frame off restoration thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=556703 Last edited by Lee H; 10-13-2014 at 05:11 PM.

10-13-2014, 06:00 PM	#8
Guy Dudebro Registered User Join Date: May 2014 Location: Edmond, OK Posts: 72	Re: Can't reach hex bolt on headers I tried a couple of wrenches. But its on pretty tight. Ideally would have the torque of a socket.

10-13-2014, 06:14 PM	#9
geezer#99 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Bowser Posts: 13,707	Re: Can't reach hex bolt on headers Crowsfoot!! Like in this link but in a standard (not metric) size. http://www.harborfreight.com/7-piece...set-94427.html



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