hello:

I'm in the middle of a rear main seal change on my 95 150 w/ a 300 (4.9L). I've got the clutch off, but I can't for the life of me, break the damn flywheel bolts. I am using a large screwdriver in a gear and wedging it against a pin on the block. This is awkward, though I've managed to put plenty of torque on the wrench. Is it ok to heat these bolts? Any other suggestions for freeing them? Thanks in advance. (By the way, engine is out). thanks

-jim:

 

You can heat them if you need to. There should be no need to make them cherry red since it is a protected area so rust in the threads shouldn't be an issue. Have you tried puting a bar on over your ratchet/wrench to give you more leverage. You would be surprised how much torque you can get from a 3 ft pipe over your wrench. If you care, KD makes a flywheel holder, it is part #2270 and goes for about $30. Just another thought, if the engine is hanging in the air, some of your torque could be twisting the entire motor, not just the bolt. Try gently resting the pan on the floor so it can't twist.

 

I've had the same problem trying to break them free by hand with the motor hanging. An impact gun takes them right off but i'm guessing you don't have an air compressor.

Yes it is ok to heat the bolt slightly. A lot of times the bolts are loctite'd in so they might come out hard all the way.

-Jon

 

Thanks for the advice, ford4ever and fap. The breaker bar worked great. I was hesatent to use it at first, in case the screwdriver slipped and I broke a gear tooth or a knuckle! But they're off, and yep, they were lock-tighte'd. Saved again by the good folks at f150 online. thanks again!

-jim