Bolts Seized on Downpipe

[Knight_Rider]

Tried to remove the downpipe today, appears the bolts are seized, turns a bit then just feels like it's cross threading. Any tips or tricks to save me having to drill them out?

 

[Toxic]

either tons of wd40 or put some heat on the surrounding nuts making them expand then the bolts should come loose.

 

[SimonM]

yup, WD40 or AC90. Soak them then leave it for 10 mins, come back give them a wiggle and spray a hell of alot more on them and then try.

 

[Knight_Rider]

Guy at the garage tried with heat, said they were part turning and the locking up. If I was to drill them out or force them off is there anything better (material wise) to use to sto happening in future?

 

[chrisboyle999]

copper slip

 

[robdf2]

I wouldnt use copper slip , it will burn off.
why do you want to stop it again? surely only going to change once?.

drilling out is a dangerous option , you are fully comitied once you start , the head will be very weakened and will probably snap off and you will be just left with a stub.

dont envy being in your position.

 

[chrisboyle999]

doubt copper slip will burn off, even if your running dangerously lean.

even the cheap stuff is rated at 1100C CLICKY

 

[Toxic]

problem is guys, copper slip will no free up a seized bolt. its only useful before the bolts are tightened up in the first place. penetrating oil and heat is the way forward, any shock treatment with a hammer (protecting the bolt/nut heads with a socket first of all)

 

[SteveTDCi]

drilling the studs out should only be the last resort, we had to drill one out on my fiesta turbo once and beleive me it was hard work not to mention the amount of drill bits we got through and normal HSS bits just don't cut it.

 

[wild willy]

I dont know about the mk2's but on the mk1 leons if the dp bolts are ceased they are just as likely to unscrew the studs from the turbo, so that cross threading feeling you are getting maybe the studs unthreading from the turbo. Lots of wd40 left to soak overnight.

 

[Nath.]

I dont know about the mk2's but on the mk1 leons if the dp bolts are ceased they are just as likely to unscrew the studs from the turbo, so that cross threading feeling you are getting maybe the studs unthreading from the turbo. Lots of wd40 left to soak overnight.

My thoughts exactly.

Heat, WD40 and plenty of wiggling is the best answer, Im surprised that you can get a drill anywhere near the DP as it's a bit tight.

Try having a go at them after a drive but put some leather gardening gloves on or you may burn yourself.

 

[Knight_Rider]

Cheers guys for the help. Think I'll soak them over night and then drive briskly to the garage to get heat in it.