Hi all! Finally got the front crank bolt with a socket stuck on it out of my '73 302. This is the bolt that holds the damper on the front of the crank. It has had a socket stuck on it ever since I got this truck. I didn't discover it until a few weeks ago when I went looking for an odd engine viabration. Couldn't believe it! Anyway, I finally broke the bolt loose with the socket stuck on it. Now, the socket is still stuck on the bolt! I've tried to hammer it off, used strong penetrating oil, press it out, dynamite it off (just kidding)...it's almost as if it were welded to the bolt (but it's not). It turns out to be a 23mm socket, and I think someone hammered it on the bolt as they didn't have the right size.

So, went to the local stores here in my rural area, and of course nobody has a bolt like this in stock. Only about half of the bolt head is actually in the socket, but wow, seems like it's in there for good. Any ideas??

 

Option 1: Go to a machine shop with a press. The should be able to put a bearing seperator around the socket, and then use a small pin to press the bolt out. That is, if the bolt is worth saving.

Option 2: Go to the junkyard and rob one out of an old engine lying around.

 

Option 3: Split the socket off the bolt. You don't want to use it again, do you?
Greg

'77 F-250 Camper Special 400ci driver
'76 F-250 Supercab 360ci current project
'71 Mach I 429CJ in storage
'79 F-150 for parts
huct on foniks wurkt fer me

 

Go to the Junkyard, it is the best option. The bolt head is deformed slightly now. Don't use it again. You may also be able to buy the bolt at Ford. It is a special bolt.


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Heat the socket up some with a torch (Dont Get it real hot Just warm) and that should help it come off.

 

Thanks guys, found a Ford dealer in another town and they had one, but you wouldn't believe what they charged me for it!

 

[updated:LAST EDITED ON 06-Jan-03 AT 02:13 AM (EST)]Yes we would!