RE: Hot nuts?

[QSHIPQ@aol.com]

Mike writes:
>
>While attempting to replace upper oil line (87 5kscTQ) ran into following
>problem:

>The line is held onto the turbo by 2 small nuts on studs. The "hex edges" of
>the nuts have disintegrated while applying the slightest amt. of torque.
>Eleven years of heat on these, never removed nuts, have taken there toll.
What
>is left is a smooth sleeve around the threaded studs, in a very tight area.

>Just checking for ideas before I call "the mechanic".

Mike:

BTDT many times.  Really not a heat cycle problem, as much as a corrosive one.
A leaky water return line, just water (salt and weather) will take those 6mm
nuts down to nothing.  They are on studs, so you can either:  A) remove them
with a set of vise grips, or B) cut them off with a dremel.  The studs are
standard ACE hardware items, and come out very easily.  As a general rule, I
replace both the studs and the nuts on a turbo R&R.  Don't forget to use
either a shoulder nut, or a washer, either is fine.  Make sure you put in a
new gasket (dry), and make sure the mating surfaces are clean and dry.  

HTH

Scott