17 replies to this topic

[bdf1387]

So I'm trying to get the stupid torx screws off the t-stat housing to change my t-stat today, get the first one off fine. Get to the 2nd one, the one it says to use an extension for in the write-up. Do everything exactly like it says... extension and all. Screw still strips out. So anyway... now I'm SOL. I'm gonna just let my car overcool for a bit until my dad gets back from out of town so we can figure out how to get this screw out of there. Any suggestions as to how to get the screw out? Also, what are the screw dimensions for these? I think I'm going to replace them with regular hex bolts, I'm not a huge fan of the torx.

[the underlørd]

try an easy out, or.. a left handed drill bit.

[yangotang]

It happens to everyone.

I had the same thing happen and ended up dremel-ing a slot to fit a screwdriver on the bolt in order to remove the bolt.

[WhiteT5]

I find it really strange how everyone has so much trouble getting these bolts out. I guess it helped for me to use a bit of PB blaster and a 1 foot breaker bar .

[thelostartof]

dremel and big flat head works great

[bdf1387]

Know the screw size?? I don't want to just go by sight when I get new ones.

[thelostartof]

11mm head ... i think its an 8mmx1.25 bolt but not sure

take an old one w/ ya and match it up

Edited by thelostartof, 28 October 2005 - 03:13 PM.

[Zappo]

I find it really strange how everyone has so much trouble getting these bolts out. I guess it helped for me to use a bit of PB blaster and a 1 foot breaker bar .

Well, stripping them is different than breaking them off. People have had both problems lately. The only way I can think of that you can strip them is using the wrong size torx to remove them. I have yet to break a torx bolt, however, I have broken a torx bit trying to remove one.

[Gioseppe]

just DO NOT use an impact driver. it can break the thermostat housing off the block, and now let me tell you. that is a pita of a job. i repeat. DO NOT USE AN IMPACT DRIVER.

[beachnut]

You need a T40 long bit to do it right. Putting a short bit on a fat extension makes it too tight to squarely fit the torx into the head, hence the stripping.

http://www.zdmak.com/wbstore/main.asp?acti...W-86020C&CTMP=1

[Che'_Moderator]

Never stripped or broke on. Remove maybe 8 a year.

[the underlørd]

Never stripped or broke on. Remove maybe 8 a year.

cookie or medal?

[Che'_Moderator]

cookie or medal?

No more room for medals. Cookie please

[gdizzle]

cookie or medal?

How about a cookie medal?

[the underlørd]

How about a cookie medal?

metal cookie?

[prasamin]

back on topic here...thanks for the off topic rant MODERATORS.

you were probably using too small of a torx to turn it. mine was on TIGHT, and I made sure and used PB blaster beforehand after hearing all the stories. I still broke a torx bit (Great Neck, anyone could see that coming), so went and bought my Craftsman's and was just fine, with a bit more PB blaster of course. good luck, try some slotting like mentioned above with a dremel, and get it with a large flat head screwdriver.

[bdf1387]

Nah, it was the right size. I used 40 torx for it, got the front screw out fine. I did use a bit with an extension on it though, as someone said. So... I'm guessing it wasn't on perfectly straight and that's why it stripped. Anyway... it's done with now, so I guess the next step is to get my hands on a dremel and some PB Blaster and get the screw out. Hey, at least my car is overcooling instead of overheating, right?

[ed850]

I had my thermostat go on my 98 S70 na 2 years ago during the winter.Decided to let it go for a couple of months till the weather warmed up.It was running below temp on the gauge and real slow to warm up. It ended up fouling one of my oxy sensors.Probably running too rich on real cold days.Never had a problem with the sensor until the thermostat stuck open.