1995 Volvo 850 Thermostat Housing Removal

havegonetooz · Post by **havegonetooz** » 13 Apr 2015, 08:59

Any help would be greatly appreciated...

I managed to crack my thermostat housing. When I try to remove it, I cannot get to the bottom screw with a t40 long bit. The bit itself is too thick I guess and in the small amount of room I can't get the bit end into the screw. I have tried grinding it down, but I am having no luck. And of course I am trying with the power steering pump removed.

Does anyone know what tool I can use that would work to get to that screw?

Thanks

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 13 Apr 2015, 16:57

Soak the bolt(s) with PB Blaster, a generous amount, and let it work overnight. If you have already stripped the head use a Dremel tool cut a slot and use a large straight blade screwdriver.

When you replace things get the updated coated steel bolts. I had one that fought me all day, after I let the PB Blaster work overnight I got it out with my fingers then next morning.

...Lee

Post by **misha** » 13 Apr 2015, 17:25

You can use L shaped torx .Put a lot of force ONTO the bolt and carefully try to loose it.Putting a lot of force ONTO the bolt is necessary because you can easily strip it if you don't .

Before you attack it soak it with pb blaster or wd40.

Post by **kahl** » 13 Apr 2015, 19:26

Since your thermostat housing is already damaged, give it a whack with a hammer and just break it off. Before installing new housing slightly grind down the bracket holding the alternator so you have better access to the lower housing bolt. Myself and fellow member Francis used this technique this winter and it worked great in 5 degree weather.

havegonetooz · Post by **havegonetooz** » 14 Apr 2015, 06:57

Kahl, are you referring to the aluminum area located directly underneath the bottom of the the thermostat housing?

Post by **kahl** » 14 Apr 2015, 15:19

yes, that is a bracket that holds the alternator and A/C compressor. It is held on the the engine block by 4 or 5 bolts.