Adnic69 0 Posted January 30, 2007 Is there a special tool as my star bit socket does not fit in the hole to get to the top of the head bolt. What do you all do? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
M_R_205 5 1 Cars Posted January 30, 2007 Is there a special tool as my star bit socket does not fit in the hole to get to the top of the head bolt.What do you all do? nope just a standard torx bit, 25 i think, if you mean you cant get the socket down the inside of the head, buy a thiner one or grind it down, mines just a 1/4 drive halfords pro bit Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SweetBadger 94 Posted January 30, 2007 Is there a special tool as my star bit socket does not fit in the hole to get to the top of the head bolt.What do you all do? Best bet is to take the camshaft bearing caps off if you can't get hold of a decent torx bit that will reach. I changed the head on my MI at the weekend, started using a Halfords 3/8drive torx bit which reached but lasted about 2 mins before snapping as did the second one I tried! Lucky the pro ones have a lifetime guarantee! Ended up using a 1/2 drive one but had to take the cam bearing caps off so that it would reach. Don't try using a socket extension piece - you won't be able to keep the torx bit straight so you'll end up slipping off the bolt or breaking the torx bit. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DrSarty 90 1 Cars Posted January 30, 2007 It's just a No55 torx bit, mine's about 4inches long into a 10mm socket onto a long ratchet or straight bar, because you need a fair amount of torque to get them to loosen. They 'crack' by the way as they loosen. The top left one (from the rad POV) which is just under the brake reservoir just needs a shorter version of the above combo. USE THE RIGHT SIZE TORX BIT - you don't wanna screw the head bolts up whilst they're still in. And remember the sequence for tightening/loosening; it's in the Hayne's book of lies. Good luck. Rich Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Anthony 1,003 Posted January 30, 2007 Standard Halfords T55 in 3/8" drive has done me fine on several Mi heads Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Normski 1 Posted January 30, 2007 Standard Halfords T55 in 3/8" drive has done me fine on several Mi heads Same here. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
M_R_205 5 1 Cars Posted January 30, 2007 Lucky the pro ones have a lifetime guarantee! i destroyed a 36mm bit losening the drive shaft bolt the wrong way and using a huge extension (scaffy bar) and they replaced it no question no recipt just strait swap cant go wrong Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
acox99 74 1 Cars Posted January 30, 2007 I just used a long t55 bit 3/8 socket and a big breaker bar, takes quite a bit of effort even with that and the noise it makes, the "cracking" really makes you cringe it sounds so terrible i thought they were ripping out the engine when they came. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
