Rear main seal bolt removal...do I need a special socket?

[sext7366]

On the two small rear main seal bolts, I cannot fit a socket into the block to get them loose. They appear to be about 7/16 but look   like a 12 sided bolt. You know like a 12 sided socket, which doesn't fit either because the issue is fitting the socket down into the metal cap, not getting onto the bolt which I cant do??? Any way whats the fix for this is there a special socket/tool? I am hoping to get my block to the machine shop tommorrrow before christmas. Oh almost forgot I did try to use metric sockets which also did not fit into the depressesion to reach the bolts.

[8WHEELER]

I use a deep well 12 point socket myself.

Dan

[Just 6T9 CHGR]

A Craftsmansocket fit with no modifications.

If necessary, grind yours down on a grinder to fit in the recess

[Blown70]

My 12 point Craftsman worked without any issue.

Tom

[Tom_440]

Same here.

[Rolling_Thunder]

My 12 point Craftsman worked without any issue.

Tom

Ditto

[cudaken]

  First time it drove me nuts. Was Sears around then

                            Cuda Ken

[Headrope]

Ah memories ... to be asking first timer questions again. I miss the days when just having a running motor in a cool car was enough for me.

Good for you for asking sext7366. Some folks just try to b.s. their way through this stuff. I found asking questions here and reading up a little worked wonders. A book I found very helpful is HPBooks "How to Rebuild Big-Block Moapr Engines," by Don Taylor. It covers everything from basic diagnosis to removal, tear down, inspection, engine block and cylinder head reconditioning, assembly, intallation, tue-up and parts ID & interchange. It has step-by-step checklists so you don't get lost and everything is in plain English, no Mechanese. Best of all - it's only a 1/4 of an inch thick; not intimidating like other books.

The book is at most autoparts stores around here (Seattle/Tacoma, Wa.) area.

Please keep asking questions. Folks here love to be helpful when the asker is being genuine.

Good luck with your project.

[Charger72SE]

yep, I agree with Headrope!!!!

I just got done rebuilding my 440 HP and the book was invaluable.  I followed the book and disconnected everything off the motor before it was pulled, and after having it rebuilt, put everything back together again.  Everything works!  Great information on everything in the engine with parts, casting numbers and descriptions and tools needed.

best cheap investment that I made

[sext7366]

Thanks guys. Even to me this sounded like a stupid question, but then I realized what I had to do when my wheels had a special key socket that broke...Pick the right size and hammer her on. You may be thinking I'm even stupider now but my 12 point craftsman didn't fit however one of my cheaper brand sockets did around a 9mm, so I did that. Hey its only two bolts right? haha