OK i have taken all of the head bolts except one which is now stript. It is the rear closest to the pasanger seat. now haveing problem getting to it because the hose-tubing the goes to the thermostat is in the way. any help on what to do and how to do it .
I am trying to replace the head gaskets and now have one off and have been working on it for 19 hours strait so far.
Thanks
Sam

sounds like a mess. have you tried heating it with a blowtorch?? get it red hot and then beat a 12 point socket 1 size smaller on there for a better "bite" on the head bolt. i guess you could always get an eze-out tool at the parts store. good luck!!!

I had the same problem, pulled all the bolts, removed the push rods (and kept them in order) and it wouldn't budge, try the BFH/Screwdriver trick and didn't get too far. Finally I just said forget it and took it to the shop w/ the heads still on the block.

2x4 and a small mallet works. Make sure there is lost of wood between the head and the hammer. I've done this on aluminum heads, so it should be no problem with these guys.

Always use 6 point sockets on high torque bolts. Even if you have to buy the extra socket or 3. Even now that it's stripped a 6 point might grab.

Heating the bolt can be very difucult. Try an acetalene torch. Use a welding tip NOT the cutting head. keep the heat on the center of the bolt head. You don't want to heat the bolt red, just get it hot so it grows. (It has to be acetalene. Propane and "map" torches generally can't concentrate the heat enough.)

When the bolt head gets hot give it a light whack or 3. That will shock down the length of it and rattle the threads. Then let the bolt cool a bit. and try turning it.

If that doesn't work, or you can't get a torch, drill the head off.

The main thing you don't want to do is spot heat the cylinder head. That can crack it.

ok we have busted one 15mm socket and now going to try to jb weld the busted socket to the striped head bolt and see if that works. i really dont want to drill it out as i know a few people who have cracked the head by drilling.
Thanks for all the help i'll keep you updated on how it goes.

Cracked a head drilling a head bolt? what they use? a jack hammer?

You don't actually need to drill the head completely off. You drill thru the head into the body of the bolt. That weakens the bolt and usually the head snaps off when you try to turn it. then you remove the head and deal with the remaining shank.

(earlier today) ok i sliced off the hose and moved the pipe out of the way and was able to get to the bolt and it wasnt really striped just a slightly rounded edge from the angle we were trying to get at the bolt from.

well as of right now calling it a night and have everything off and cleaned and ready to put back on, but found a small prob. had two people helping me today and the one who disconnected the oil dipstick tube isnt going to be here tommorow and i cant find where the tube goes back into the oil pan. hopefully i will have better luck in the morning with daylight.
thanks again for all the help.