So the gaskets blew on my 96' 3.8, and I've set in to replace them. I've finally gotten everything off on the right side besides the actual head...because of one stuck head bolt. It is the third one back on the bottom (I believe), and it is being a major PITA. It broke my 15mm 1/2" socket, and is now rounding off almost completely (I'd say 75% or more). I went to Napa tonight and got some sockets with a 6-star pattern inside that are supposed to grip them and not let go....and those broke as well (returned within 30 mins). Pathetic...I'm absolutely tired of it. I've sprayed it down with PB blaster multiple times and let it sit.


The local garage we use (Chevrolet dealership) and trust wants just under $900 to get the job done + whatever it costs me to tow it there.

Can I do anything? I'd rather not play with fire in my engine bay.

 

it would be cheaper to find another engine.

 

Try heating the bolt up with a small propane torch, Just stay away from fuel and plastic parts. And use a Craftsman or higher quality tool to remove the rounded head bolt.

 

Ya buy quality tools that fit it properly and you won't have this issue.

 

I have to agree with yamanx on getting top quality tools when your doing a job like that, BUT that won't help you now.
First thing I would do is put the other bolts back in, especially around the bad bolt and torque them down. It will take some of the pressure off the bad bolt. Next get a hammer and heavy punch and hit straight down on top the bolt about 20 times. Sometimes the shock on the bolt will help getting it out. Make sure you hit in the center of the bolt so you won't damage it anymore. If you can't use any kind of a socket anymore, I would get a flat chisel and try to walk the bolt out. In other words, hit on the outside edge of the bolt with the chisel/hammer in the direction that will loosen the bolt. I have done this more times than I can remember and the combination of the hit/shock on the bolt while turning in sometimes gets it loosened up. MAKE SURE you are using good tools to do this with.
If this doesn't work I'd drill, cut or whatever you can do to get the head of the bolt off so you can get the head off, then work on getting the bolt out. I wouldn't pay that kind of money on something you can do yourself. Take that money you would have spent on getting someone to do the job and use it for some quality tools.
Hope this helps.... any questions, send me a

 

NOT A GOOD IDEA. Heat and heads dont go together very well. I had the same issue with my 95. I went and got this:
http://www.autozone.com/autozone/acc...er=486979_0_0_

With alot of force (with a 2 foot breaker bar) and alot of swearing I was able to get my last head bolts off.

Matthew

 

Heat and heads don't go together ??????
WHAT ??

 

^ Not sure if srs or not....but no. NEVER use a blow torch on your heads.

Matthew

 

u can heat up the bolt with a small torch it wont mess it up especially if is not aluminum thats what i would try and they make special sockets for rounded off bolts u can get them at the auto part store or sears or harbor freight even