Firstly ensure you have plenty of savlon for the grazed knuckles. Penetron or Plusgass are far better than WD40. The key is to crack the oxidation sealing the thread. Give it a few sharp taps with a hammer (on the flat of the nut not the end of the thread) you might have to hold a screw driver or tommy bar against the nut and then hit the end of the bar. Heating is great but the key is to rapidly change the temperature this is what breaks the "seal". Try really cooling it first either with a bag of ice (a couple of carrier bags inside each other with a good couple of fists of ice) or a plumber's pipe freeze kit. (Very effective but a bit more awkward to get access and a bit pricey). Once it is cold, then heat it as rapidly as you can. (Do one nut at a time). If you over heat it and end up with it glowing cherry red colour allow it to cool slowly, before hanging off it. (Don't try to speed up the cooling by chucking water on it or it will become brittle and be more likely to shear) When you first try moving the nut, try tightening rather than loosening that way any potential damage/ rounding off won't hinder the removal (as it will be on the opposing shoulder of the nut head).
If you can't get any movement tightening the nut try a bit more penetron leave
As soon as you get even the slightest movement when tightening, it should mean the "seal" is broken and it should then be Ok to remove.
Good luck
Exhaust removal advice
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sean collins
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wasserleaker
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Sean Collins,
your advice about undoing stubborn fasteners is great, and should go in the Wiki in my opinion!
an old timer once gave me the same tip about trying to tighten rather than undo initially, to crack the seal, after penetrating oil, heat, etc, and it is very good advice,
thanks for bringing this method up, it can save a lot of un-necessary hassle and swearing!
also, 6 point sockets rather than 12 point help if the nut is very tight and smaller than it should be due to rust.
your advice about undoing stubborn fasteners is great, and should go in the Wiki in my opinion!
an old timer once gave me the same tip about trying to tighten rather than undo initially, to crack the seal, after penetrating oil, heat, etc, and it is very good advice,
thanks for bringing this method up, it can save a lot of un-necessary hassle and swearing!
also, 6 point sockets rather than 12 point help if the nut is very tight and smaller than it should be due to rust.-
sean collins
- Registered user
- Posts: 19
- Joined: 26 Jun 2007, 15:01
- 80-90 Mem No: 3837
- Location: 3837 Waterlooville, Portsmouth
