Pressure Plate Bolts

[Harold R]

I guess I'd need a picture to describe the problem, but I can't seem to get at the 6 bolts holding the pressure plate to the fly wheel. They are cupped around the sides so close with the metal of the plate that I can't get a wrench on them. I've got about 6 different 1/2 inch sockets, and none of them will fit down completely on the bolt. Same problem with the boxed end wrench. On a couple, I can get the open end on them, but they just round off. Not sure what's going on here. More coffee perhaps!!

[cowboy]

Hi Hr

I have not had to get into my clutch yet. But I take it that the socket is hitting somtning and not going all the way down. I have had that problem on other things and I have ground off the outside of a socket just enought to clear the obstruction before with good luck.

Billy

[Bigdog]

I think Cowboy has the answer. If you have a sacraficial (spare) 1/2" socket you can grind down it should do the trick. Don't take off any more than necessary as you will need all the strength you can leave in the socket.

[Harold R]

I agree. That's what it's going to take. After reviewing with a rested set of eyes, I found that the P.O. didn't put lock washers under the bolts. This would have raised the bolt head off the plate and given more clearance. Off to the grinder I go.

[John *.?-!.* cub owner]

HR, most auto parts stores also have thin wall sockets, for that problem. They are a close fit, but I've never had a serious problme taking them off.

[George Willer]

I have a complete set of cheap sockets that I've turned down for just such occasions. The bolts holding the final drives are another place they come in handy. Surprisingly, they machine well under the chrome.