I am attempting to replace my A/C lines that connect to my A/C compressor on my 2000 Ford F150 4.6L V8 2-wheel drive. The manual states that I need to remove the compressor in order to gain access to the manifold bolt that connects the line to the compressor. 2 of the 3 hex bolts that fasten this compressor are rounding over when I try to loosen them. These 2 bolts are in a tight spot. I tried a 6-point ¼” drive socket, and a 12 point box wrench with no success. There’s not enough room to slide in my 3/8” drive socket. What’s the tricks of the trade to remove these bolts when they start rounding over in such a tight spot? What’s the trick to this assuming they didn’t round over? These are 10mm hex bolts. Thanks.

 

6 point box wrench.

 

Worse case cut the bolt heads off using a die grinder. Then slide the compressor down and use channel locks on the bolt shaft to turn the bolts out. I rarely use my 12 point wrenchs or sockets because of potential of rounding off bolts and nuts. FYI The torque on those bolts is 20-30 nm. Good luck.