Gauge Install-Port on Jacobs Brake

[CROW]

Truck is a 2005 six speed with a Jacobs exhaust brake that was installed when I bought the truck new in May, 2005. Have Autometer gauges and want to install probe post turbo in the port on the Jacobs brake. Trouble is--I can't get the bolt out. It has a 14m head and I soaked it as best I can with liquid wrench and tapped it with a hammer, but can't get it out. Using a six sided socket, extended length half inch rachet and have pulled hard enough that I worried about breaking it off. Any thoughts on how to get this bolt out would be appreciated? Anyone had a similar problem?

 

[icman95]

I'm surprised that you're having trouble with it. Back in May I unbolted my dealer installed Jacobs after having been on there for 6 years without anyone so much as dusting it off. The bolts came right off no problem. Didn't even lube them up. I was actually expecting a fight that I didn't get.



How about hitting the bolt head and the area around it with a small torch to heat it up. Maybe that would loosen it enough to start turning it. If you were to try to focus the heat on the area around the bolt and not the bolt itself, the metal might expand enough to make the bolt just loose enough to turn.



On the other hand, if you were to break the bolt off by accident, it would allow you to drill out the rest and start from scratch with a new bolt. I'm sure this isn't the preffered method, but it's a last resort. Good luck

 

[MScheiper]

I second icman95's idea. Heat it up and then possibly hit it with liquid wrench. Try this a few times and it will probably give up the ghost and come out. Definately use permatex anti-seeze on the threads when putting the probe in. That way removal will be easy if/when probe needs to be replaced. Good luck!

 

[ScottLewis]

Mr. Crow:



If I read your post correctly, you're trying to remove the plug from the port, not unbolt the brake elbow. When I installed my pyro sender, I experienced exactly the same problem. I was sure I would either crack the elbow or twist off the plug. I finally resorted to center punching the plug, drilling it out and retapping the hole. It was awkward because of the angles but I got it done.



I was later told that thread lock is used during assemby and that judicious application of heat will allow to plug to unscrew.



Good luck.



Dan

 

[TWhiteside]

I guess I was lucky... . After soaking the bolt with WD-40 several times and waiting a couple hours, I was able to get it loose.

 

[CROW]

Got the bolt out. Treated it again with liquid wrench and tapped it side to side with a hammar which I did not do the first two times. When it came loose it sorta popped and came out without stripping or breaking. Man, am I relieved. I could see a situation where I would have to drill and tap in an awful akward location. This probably would have been a lot easier if I had done it when the exhaust brake was new, so you fellas that want one tell the better half you need to do it as soon as possible to avoid this issue.

 

[brista]

That plug is put in with loctite. Heating it and removing it before install is the way to go but of course I had to learn that the hard way as well.

 

[klenger]

Heating it should be pretty easy. Hook up a heavy trailer and tow it at 65 MPH for 20 miles or so.