Tim98lude

I'm trying to remove head bolts to replace my 98 head gasket. When I tried to turn the bolt #1 and #2, in sequence, 1/4 counter-clockwise, the bolt's heads appear to be rounded. This is my first time trying to change the car's head gasket. I don't know how else to get the head bolts loosen.

I used 15MM socket attached to the breaker bar.


Any help would be greatly appreciated.


Many thanks in advance.

Tim

bouckarooo

well first off you need a 12 point 14mm socket not a six point 15mm.

Make sure you break them in correct order and only turn them quarter turn each in sequence until they are free.

Tim98lude

During my initial attempt, I used 14mm, 6-points socket. The 14mm socket didn't fit the bolt head, no matter what. So, I moved up to Crafsman 15mm, 6-points and 12-points sockets. The 15mm appeared to grab the bolt head somewhat, to make me think that I got the right socket size since the 14mm didn't fit at all. That was why I came to this forum for help.

About an hour ago, I went to Oreilly Auto Part and got a 15mm 6-points socket, thinking that the two I own must have lost its grip, for there were dents on the flat sides of the 6-points socket. The new (GM Performance Part) 15mm socket didn't do any better. Then, I decided to give another Crafsman 14mm, 12-points socket, which uses 3/8 drive, instead of 1/2...the bigger of the two. This socket is smaller from half-way down toward the bolt. Its shape is uneven. To my greatest surprise, the socket fits snugly to head of the bolt. I could feel the bolt turn as I applied force to the breaker bar.

I only worked on loosening bolt #1 and #2, in sequence. After 1/4 turn, I stopped and sprayed PB Blaster on all the bolts. I'll try to loosen the rest of them after 4 or 5 hours later, perhaps it'll be a lot easier for me turn then.


Thanks buckaroo for your input.

bouckarooo

like i said you need a 12 point 14mm socket. why would you try and use anythign else? like if you dont know what you are doing tehn perhaps you should stop.


And what you jsut did with the head bolts is INCORRECT, this can lead to warping the head. Once you start removing the bolts continue doing so in correct sequence until the head is competly off of the block. This will keep from warpgin the block and is important you do so.

those bolts will be tough to turn, the actual Honda procedure is you turn each f them 1/3 turn in sequence till the head is off. You should neevr need PB blaster or penetrant ever on these botls as the should be lubricated with clean oil when they go in.

go find a manual before you f#ck up your car.

Tim98lude

In case you misunderstood, bolt #1 and # 2, in sequence, only had 1/4 turn before PB blaster was applied. I should have used it prior to trying to loosen the bolts. I got my manual right in front of me, so thank you for your concern.

Anyhow, like I said, a normal Craftsman 6 or 12 points 14mm didn't fit, that was why I tried the 15mm. I don't why but only that weird shape 12-points 14mm Craftsman, half the length of the deep socket, would fit perfectly. Any way, I got all the bolts out and even got the sequence memorized. I'm happy...for now.

Thanks again for all your help.

Tim

Tim98lude

The car appears to be running good now. Replaced head gasket, vss, oil pressure switch, compressor and steering belt.

Good learning experience.