Darn camshaft retaining screw!

[PJ4myboo]

We are still tearing down the engine but have hit a bit of a snag with the cam retaining screw. I got the one loose but the other is being a pain in the a**. Any tricks to get these out? I bought a #4 phillips but I can't get it to turn. I used grip pliers on the one to get it loose but the other won't budge.

Any advice/ideas are appreciated.

[blykins]

Put a pair of vice grips on the screwdriver and try to get more leverage. Before you turn it, tap on the end of the screwdriver with a hammer.

[Barry_R]

You can get impact drivers that turn when you hit on them with a hammer. They'll take that #4 phillips bit. You can also employ a judicious amount of heat - it'll soften the loc-tite that may have been used.

[vector1]

x2 on the impact driver, wonderful things.

[PJ4myboo]

I will try it all. I put copious amounts of wd-40 on it tonite so we will see what tomorrow brings. Thanks for all the advice!

[Maurice Butler]

Originally Posted by PJ4myboo

I will try it all. I put copious amounts of wd-40 on it tonite so we will see what tomorrow brings. Thanks for all the advice!

don't forget get the heat locktite softens over 60oC

[Argess]

One thing that has helped me over the years are ACR Phillips screwdriveer bits. They have anti-slip ribs on the blades. Here's a link that explains them:

http://www.aaronsscrewdrivers.com/anti-camout_ribs.htm

Here's a better pic of them:

http://www.asia.ru/upload_images/98/97356/1432456.jpg

One of these bits along with an impact tool will remove the cam thrust plate screws.

Impact tool:

http://www.vehicle-wiring-products.e...photo/5542.jpg


Now, after all that, I admit to just using vicegrips to loosen (and tighten) those screws. I detest doing it, but it worked well. Left a few gouges. Next time, I'll use the ACR bits I forgot I had.

[RedBarchetta]

PB Blaster is a better penetrant than WD-40. Works great.

With experience, I have also learned that a well placed stick of dynamite can handle most immovable objects.

-Dean

[bobcowan]

Weld a nut on the end. The heat will loosen the lock tite, and then you can put a wrench on it.

[Rick Parker]

Focus the pointed flame from a propane torch on the head of the screw to soften the Loctite and while it still quite warm use (as mentioned) an impact screwdriver OR you may be able to tap the end of a normal screwdriver while applying torque in an effort to loosen it.

[PJ4myboo]

Originally Posted by bobcowan

Weld a nut on the end. The heat will loosen the lock tite, and then you can put a wrench on it.

Are these screws readily available? If I do this I will ruin it.....not to mention what the dynamite would do!

[Carnut427]

When you need one, you need one:

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=37530

[undy]

In the late 60s, early 70s every Honda engine was put trogether (externally) with phillips head screws. The impact hammer, such as above, was the standard bill-o-fare for a motorcyle repairman's tool box. There were allen-head retrofit screw kits for their replacement after you destroyed the screws getting them loose.

[diegokid]

I remember the honda screwss, grab em with a pair of vise grips and loosen them then replace em. I bought a Craftsman hammer impact with all the bits in about 1975 ath the age of 14. I still have them today and used them to remove the screws from the FE motors I dissassembled looking for a good block. There not expensive, go to sears buy it and pass it down to the grandkids.

[PJ4myboo]

After much persuasion I finally got it out. The boys were not real comfortable with me lighting the torch, but they got used to it. I only burned myself once...not too bad! Thanks for all of your advice.

We are just about done with our tear down. I can't wait to hear what the machine shop says about the block. Hopefully this wasn't all in vain.