How to tighten difficult-to access bolts?

[Xist]

I hope to nearly be finished replacing the head gasket in my Forester. I changed out the head gasket a while ago, put the timing belt back on, as well as all of the sprockets, pulleys, and covers, and then the intake manifold and radiator. I kept trying to remember what I needed to remove in opposite order.

It was the AC compressor and the intake manifold.

Everybody said to remove them in that order, but one bolt is awkward:



I just need to use a wrench instead of a socket, but when I go to tighten it, it gets too tight too early; if I had more room, I could torque it down, but I already sheared two bolts and stripped one hole, no more!

Notice the lock-tite red? Obviously that stuff needs to come off, and then it should be okay.

However:


I can barely reach a finger in from each side to position and start tightening, there is no possible way that I could fit a wrench in there.

Is there some special tool that would do the job, or do I need to remove and detach the intake manifold again?

Thank you very much! Please enjoy your day!

[Vman455]

I hate to say it, but if it's getting tight when it's that far away from the surface, it's probably cross-threaded....

[Xist]

I removed it and it was very dirty. Dried lock-tite and children's crushed dreams, apparently.

[jamesqf]

Or you've mixed up the bolts, and have one that's too long for its hole. (Been there, done that :-()

[Xist]

James, that sounds like a terrible prospect! I will double-check, but both the hole and that bolt had lock-tite red on it.

[darcane]

Originally Posted by Xist

I can barely reach a finger in from each side to position and start tightening, there is no possible way that I could fit a wrench in there.

Is there some special tool that would do the job, or do I need to remove and detach the intake manifold again?

Thank you very much! Please enjoy your day!

Assuming it's the right bolt and not cross-threaded....

Can you get in there with a long extension, a wobbly, and a short socket?
http://www.sears.com/craftsman-3-pc-...&blockType=G11

If the wobbly is too wobbly, wrap the joint in electrical tape and it will wobble less and be easier to get over the head of the screw.

[user removed]

Originally Posted by Xist

James, that sounds like a terrible prospect! I will double-check, but both the hole and that bolt had lock-tite red on it.

Back the bolt out and check the depth of the hole.

regards
mech

[user removed]

Most modern engine repairs begin with R&R engine. In a 93 ZX they do that to replace the knock sensor.

regards
mech

[user removed]

On the old Toyota Previa you R&R the engine to do the 60k service, or at least that is what I thought I read about them.

regards
mech

[Piotrsko]

And on the new f250 diesels you pull the cab to service the engine. Even had quick disconnects