Trying to remove the two central head bolts on a Zetec black top engine. So far I have snapped 3 T45 bits including a Silverline impact bit. Any recommendations?

Buy some decent Torx bits? I have in the past had to resort to drilling the heads off of head bolts, removing the remains after lifting the head, on a couple of occasions

What sort of drill bit did you use?

Oh I remember a head job like this years ago, on a neighbors volvo. I couldn't get them off at all and then asked him to slacken them as he was built like a tank ex army. We both winced as each one released with an almighty series of bangs our hearts in our mouths. Amazingly none of the threads were damaged but I expected the block to be totaled tbh.

When considering the alternatives if it fecks up, I would suggest buying the very best driver you can. Put it on ebay once used. Something like this -



Supplier Link

[Edited on 14/6/24 by Mr Whippy]

Are you trying to remove the 2 female torx down in the spark plug channel?
They are just blanking plugs for the cooling channels and shouldn't need removing, they are also loctited in place and need some heat to help free off if removal is required.

The head bolts are T55 and any decent brand bits should be strong enough for anything you can do with 1/2 drive equipment.

Dave

quote:

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Originally posted by obfripper
Are you trying to remove the 2 female torx down in the spark plug channel?
They are just blanking plugs for the cooling channels and shouldn't need removing, they are also loctited in place and need some heat to help free off if removal is required.

The head bolts are T55 and any decent brand bits should be strong enough for anything you can do with 1/2 drive equipment.

Dave

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They're smaller on a zetec, but same sort of thing with a female T45 for removal.

Dave

Thanks for the information, now I can try again!