Head bolt

[mazmonza]

I have removed all head bolts except one that won't budge, the hex key is starting to turn in the bolt.

Anyone any ideas?

Maurice

[DaveB]

With the turning problem, is it the hex key or the bolt head that's deforming? If the former I'd say try a high quality hex socket on a breaker bar. If the latter maybe weld a nut onto the bolt head then get a socket onto it - the heat may also help free the bolt.
It might just help to reinstall and tighten a couple of the adjacent bolts before trying to loosen the stuck one??

[ja17]

Use a large steel mallet on it. The impact will loosen the rusty threads and also deform the head of the bolt inward so you can get a new fresh grip with your tool. Replace the bolt before re-installation.

[DaveB]

Use a large steel mallet on it.

That sounds a good simple solution - did that work for you Maurice?
And Joe, how have you been able to post so regularly lately? (which is universally appreciated I'm sure). Did you retire?

[ja17]

Hi Dave,

Not retired yet. Notice a lot of my posts are after midnight and a busy day. It also seems we have a lot of new pagoda owners asking unique questions and needing help.

[Benz Dr.]

You probably have a leaking head gasket and coolant has leaked into the hole where the head bolt goes the head and maybe further down into the threads in the block. Depending on which head bolt is stuck can make a bit of a difference. If it's near one of the side covers on the block, you may be able to get a torch on that area and heat it until the bolt starts to turn. I've seen this before and heat was the only thing that broke it loose.
Forget about penetrant, it won't work. 

[DaveB]

Not retired yet. Notice a lot of my posts are after midnight and a busy day. It also seems we have a lot of new pagoda owners asking unique questions and needing help.

I see. That certainly does not sound like retirement, more like a job and a half. Thank you.