Head bolts stuck.

[F22HB]

Ok so I'm taking off the head on my a6 and all was going well to start. I got the inside bolts loose and started working my way out and the bolts on the ends are waaay hella tight. I'm going past 150lbs on the torque and don't wanna try any higher. I'm thinking that to try and fix the blown headgasket they just tightened the bolts up hella or somthing? Why would they be so tight? What can I do to get em off?
Thanks.

[bruno8747]

Ok so I'm taking off the head on my a6 and all was going well to start. I got the inside bolts loose and started working my way out and the bolts on the ends are waaay hella tight. I'm going past 150lbs on the torque and don't wanna try any higher. I'm thinking that to try and fix the blown headgasket they just tightened the bolts up hella or somthing? Why would they be so tight? What can I do to get em off?
Thanks.

I always seem to have a problem with the ones in the corner. They are always tighter than the rest. Well you are going to have to use a breaker bar and a long cheater pipe to get them off. Just make sure not to round the head off. It's very very hard to drill those head bolts out.

[F22HB]

Ya I guess so. 150lbs is alot though. I feel like the socket is just gonna snap. Guess I'll go give it a try.

[preludeman92]

Hey, I snapped 3 1/2" drive impact grade sockets and 1 24" breaker bar removing the head from my f22 when it died. The head had never been off of that motor either. The heating and cooling of the block, head, and bolts make the thing super tight. They'll come out, just use some brute force.

[F22HB]

Dang, I guess I'll be going through some sockets then,lol.

[bcjammerx]

please do not use impact guns on head bolts...not a good idea...

you might have meant you used the socket...so I just wanted to clarify to anyone who didn't know that

[C91BLX7]

please do not use impact guns on head bolts...not a good idea...

you might have meant you used the socket...so I just wanted to clarify to anyone who didn't know that

impact socket maybe, since they are stronger, but yeah stick to the good ol breaker bar

[tn_accords]

yeah.. you will go through a couple of sockets and ratchets if not careful.. i finally had a breaker bar made or I made it to hold up... took some time to make and its heavy as hell but it hasn't broke yet..

if you can take a old extension and beat on the head of the bolt a few times.. it helps sometimes to do that. also a quick jerk when you have full force on the bolt also helps...

good luck..

[bruno8747]

please do not use impact guns on head bolts...not a good idea...

you might have meant you used the socket...so I just wanted to clarify to anyone who didn't know that

Why is that? I have done it before. Nothing has been damaged. You guys need to stop being afraid to use the right tools.

[benji]

Last time I did it, I ended up using an impact socket with a breaker bar and a 3 foot piece of tubing as a cheater pipe. It was also out of the car, so I had to have my dad holding it so I didn't just spin it around.

[starchland]

did you try with the engine warm?

[Boost_Lee]

i agree, 3-5 ft pipe/pole on the end of a 1/2" drive impact socket. its gonna be tough

[bcjammerx]

always use the right tool...and an impact gun on head bolts is not the right tool.

head bolts can snap under impacts...hammering action is pretty harsh...applies much more force then bar in sharp spikes. You are also more likely to round 'em off...always use a breaker bar.

Sure you can use an impact...
sure there are folks who've done so with no issues (that they know of)
(don't know of any race engines done that way either)

and there are also some folks who pull out and don't get pregnant...does that mean you should recommend it? It's not worth the risk.

NEVER use impacts torque things...ANYthing...that's the WORST you could ever do

[F22HB]

Ok. I wasn't using an impact wrench. I was using a 1/2" drive torque wrench. I guess I'll just keep putting more force untill they come loose. I just hope I don't break any tools or specialy break off any of the bolts.
btw the engine is out of the car.

[Boost_Lee]

just to clarify, i meant impact SOCKET, never an impact gun. Only rec. if you break normal sockets

is the motor on a stand at least? You'll need a big guy or two there with you to hold that sucker from turning while you lean on that breaker pole lol

i wonder if this is a situation where PB blaster might not help(it'd be the first)....or maybe it will...