Omega Owners Forum

Omega Help Area => Omega General Help => Topic started by: Andy A on 21 August 2015, 19:48:45

Title: Whats the best method to undo this exhaust joint
Post by: Andy A on 21 August 2015, 19:48:45
2.2 petrol Omega 2003. What is the best method to undo the two bolts post Cat in the link without snapping?

https://www.flickr.com/photos/53447058@N05/20143781484/in/dateposted-public/

Thanks
Title: Re: Whats the best method to undo this exhaust joint
Post by: flyer 0712 on 21 August 2015, 19:50:51
good spray with..plus gas and leave over night....but does it realy matter if they snap as just use new ones  :y
Title: Re: Whats the best method to undo this exhaust joint
Post by: Andy A on 21 August 2015, 19:52:54
good spray with..plus gas and leave over night....but does it realy matter if they snap as just use new ones  :y

I have a gallon of Plus Gas in the shed.  :y

If they snap won't the snapped part of the bolt be stuck in the bracket?

Its not a bolt and nut but a bolt that screws into the bracket that's part of the exhaust.
Title: Re: Whats the best method to undo this exhaust joint
Post by: Rods2 on 21 August 2015, 19:57:45
good spray with..plus gas and leave over night....but does it realy matter if they snap as just use new ones  :y

If they snap won't the snapped part of the bolt be stuck in the bracket?

Yes, either drill it out and run a tap through to clear the remains from the thread or even easier drill out the old bolt and use a new bolt and nut. :y
Title: Re: Whats the best method to undo this exhaust joint
Post by: Andy A on 21 August 2015, 20:01:28
What drill bits do you use?

The ones I buy are not cheap but blunt in no time and ruin the job.
Title: Re: Whats the best method to undo this exhaust joint
Post by: flyer 0712 on 21 August 2015, 20:20:00
recently replaced my 2.2 exhaust and they were nuts and bolts so i thought they all were.....wrong again maybe   :-\
Title: Re: Whats the best method to undo this exhaust joint
Post by: flyer 0712 on 21 August 2015, 20:21:52
small gas blow lamp should do it if your  cat is threaded  :y
Title: Re: Whats the best method to undo this exhaust joint
Post by: Andy A on 21 August 2015, 21:12:37
small gas blow lamp should do it if your  cat is threaded  :y

Do I heat the bolt or just the bracket the bolt screws into or both and do I let them cool before trying to unbolt?

They are stuck.
Title: Re: Whats the best method to undo this exhaust joint
Post by: tunnie on 21 August 2015, 21:44:19
Lots of plus gas few days before. Allows it to heat up and cool, worth a few blasts.

Otherwise drilling, unless you have a blow torch? When I've seen it done, rotate nut while it's hot. :)
Title: Re: Whats the best method to undo this exhaust joint
Post by: omega2018 on 22 August 2015, 00:33:08
What drill bits do you use?

The ones I buy are not cheap but blunt in no time and ruin the job.
get some cobalt drill bits with 135 degree tip designed to drill stainless steel. use lots of water or cutting fluid.
Title: Re: Whats the best method to undo this exhaust joint
Post by: Keith ABS on 22 August 2015, 07:34:03
   And dont use to higher speed with those drill bits either

keith B
Title: Re: Whats the best method to undo this exhaust joint
Post by: Andy A on 22 August 2015, 08:38:31
Thanks all for your help.  :y

Will let you know how I get on.  :y
Title: Re: Whats the best method to undo this exhaust joint
Post by: terry paget on 22 August 2015, 09:07:48
I bought a Rothenberger torch some years ago, best tool I ever bought; uses MAPP screw on gas bottles. Heat the nut part rather than the bolt, get it red hot, then let it cool down, spray it with WD40 or penetrating oil, then apply moderate torque with a spanner. If it turns a bit, but is very stiff, spray with oil and turn it both ways to work oil into it, proceed to unscrew patiently, and in the end it should come out. IF you break it off it is bad news. Drilling it out is much more difficult.
Title: Re: Whats the best method to undo this exhaust joint
Post by: Andy A on 22 August 2015, 12:58:14
I bought a Rothenberger torch some years ago, best tool I ever bought; uses MAPP screw on gas bottles. Heat the nut part rather than the bolt, get it red hot, then let it cool down, spray it with WD40 or penetrating oil, then apply moderate torque with a spanner. If it turns a bit, but is very stiff, spray with oil and turn it both ways to work oil into it, proceed to unscrew patiently, and in the end it should come out. IF you break it off it is bad news. Drilling it out is much more difficult.

That's the same torch I have.  :y I will get a canister of MAP gas and see how it goes. Thanks for the tut Terry.  :y