[V8] TB Stripped Bolt

[Stafford, Kenneth A.]

> Hey guys
> 
>     I'm trying to do a TB job on my 3.6 and just stripped to 
> of the indented 12mm after breaking a socket on them.  any 
> suggestions on how to get them out?

Oh man, do I feel your pain!  This lower recessed bolt on the pass side cover
is the reason my first TB job took 12 hrs vs 6 hrs to do.  I eventually
carefully chiseled away enough of the casting to get access to the bolt head.
I then drilled a 1/8 in hole into the head (angled slightly into the bolt,
inserted a 1/8 in diameter punch and used that to turn the bolt.  Inelegant,
but effective.  The factory replacement bolt is an allen head--much more
secure.  I have since procured a set of Craftsmen "damaged head" sockets that
I'm sure would do the trick.  The problem with that bolt is that 1) it gets
corroded, 2) it looks trivial since it has such a small head--it is actually
a much larger than expected thread diameter.  For those that are doing this
job for the first time--take care to use a fully-engaged, unworn, 6-pt socket
that is squarely on before applying any torque--then replace it with an
allen-headed, anti-seized bolt!

Ken
91V8Q