Seized engine lid hinge bolts - how do I remove now?

[adamski]

I'm trying to replace my engine lid hinges, and some of the bolts are seized, and screw will not come out (the screw head is knackered).
Anyone know a tool to get these out (from Frost or something?)

 

[neil'69]

I had the same problem with mine in the rear panel. I drilled the heads off so i could remove the engine lid then drilled the bolts/screws out. A couple came out with the drill (into the void), the other 2 i then tapped out.

Hope this helps.

 

[BJ1]

I remove these by welding a nut on the top - kind of plug weld it on. The heat loosens the thread and a spanner on the nut winds them out.

 

[adamski]

I just found these on the frost website.

http://www.frost.co.uk/item_Detail.asp?productID=8965&frostProductName=Drill%20outs%20(Set%20of%204" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false

Unfortunately, I don't have a welder!

 

[dubdubz]

u may be able to get some plusgas or similar in the back on the captive nuts...then drill out/off the lid and hopefully get molegrips on the stub end - the heat/penetrating fluid may have helped you. That's how I did 2 of mine

if you do drill make sure you use quite a small drill bit and work up in size..as if you are slightly offcentre and go straight in with a 6mm, it'll make things a whole lot worse!

 

[noddy]

You could try drilling a hole in to the screw and using an easyout.

 

[adamski]

You could try drilling a hole in to the screw and using an easyout.

I've just purchased a set of easy-outs (see link below), and will have a go when they arrive!

http://www.axminster.co.uk/product-Axminster-Cobalt-Drill-and-Easy-Out-Set-462398.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

 

[Joval]

+1 For the easy-outs.

If you can file the broken bolt flat it will help getting a decent punch before drilling,
if it is really stuck watch, they're hardened steel and can be brittle.

 

[noddy]

Yep Joval is right they snap very easily and are harder than a drill bit, so would soak the screws with loads of plus gas before trying to remove them, I would let them soak for at least 24 hours, give the screw several blast during that time.

Also I would try drilling right through the screw, the heat from drilling some times loosen thing up.

 

[adamski]

Well partial sucess. Got one out...one head sheared off when removing with easy-out, and in another one the easy-out sheared, even though I was super careful!
Will try to remove the bolt with a small easy-out, and drill out the easyout (ekk) on sunday when I next get some time to do this!

 

[VWAIRCOOLED]

Is it just the pins of the hinge which are worn out? If so you could just replace the pins and leave the hinge fitted,thats what I did.I can't remember where I got the hinge pins from though,I think from a trade stand at a show?

 

[adamski]

Unfortunately I need to get the hinges out to drill them, as I'm adding quick release pins to allow me to easily remove the engine lid.

I just went to the hardware store, and brough a can of PlusGas, some better easyouts, some willpower and energy for the weekend!!

The problem was with the last easyout, is I didn't drill into the bolt far enough.

->Adam

 

[noddy]

Some times its possible to turn the broken stub of an easyout with pliers, or tap it round with a screw driver till it comes loose.

If you have to drill it out I think you will need some thing like a tungsten drill bit, if you have a local engineering firm ask them what you will need to drill tool steel.