Tool for 5/16" IP bolts

[bird hunter]

So what do you all use to remove the 3 bolts holding the IP to the timing gear? I can't find a 16-point socket or wrench anywhere local so far. Tried the local Napa, Sears, Lowes, Fastenal, and the typical response I got was they didn't really know a 16-point tool existed. Any idea where you can get one or what do you all use to remove these 3 bolts?

Thanks,
Bird hunter

 

[Blsford]

Try 12pt. . . . Might work better for ya

 

[ah1988ford]

A 12pt 5/16, no one else had it except home depot in my area( Husky crap lol )

 

[dgr]

Duh. My reading skills today are ****

 

[icanfixall]

The socket or wrench you need is the 12 point style. Where did you come up with the 16 point style... Mel has always used a 5/16 open combo wrench and his thumb pressure for the proper torque needed. I personally use a 3/8 drive 5/16 inch socket and a 3/8 to 1/2 inch adapter so I can use my 1/2 inch drive torque wrench... The torque needed on these special hardened bolts is 25 ft lbs. I know this seems like too much but these bolts are special material and they are the same bolts that hold the rear u joint in the housing.

 

[lindstromjd]

The 16 pt socket idea comes from Mel's write up on how to change the IP. Supposed to say 12 pt.

http://oilburners.net/brian/idi/FuelInjectionServicing.htm

 

[bird hunter]

Correct I got the 16 pt socket idea from the injection servicing article. I'll get the 12 pt one instead, no wonder it was so hard to find!

Thanks all for the help.

 

[icanfixall]

Someone needs to remind Mel to "fix that".. I recall we talked about it some years back too.

 

[BrandonMag]

Yep, I made the same mistake last year... went to the local Sears and got funny looks from the guy working in the tool dept. "No sir, I have never heard of a 16-point socket..."

IIRC the bolts are 9/16.

 

[hesutton]

Yup, 12 point. Mel's gonna have to correct that typo one of these days. This happens a couple times a year.

Heath

 

[smolkin]

I admit that when I first came to OB I was looking for the 16-pt socket too...

Maybe it's meant as some kind of newbie hazing ritual? Kinda like sending your assistant to get the 2X4 stretcher or jug of headlight fluid? :

 

[OLDBULL8]

Yup, 12 point. Mel's gonna have to correct that typo one of these days. This happens a couple times a year.Heath

I thought that when "Hope & Change" came along that it would get done, but as it turned out, Hope was always there but Change never came.

 

[jaluhn83]

12 pt 5/16" **or** 8mm socket. Craftsman has one, Lowes, OSH, most auto parts stores have them.

The 3 nuts holding the pump on are 9/16".... I took a cheap combo wrench and bent it in a nice curve and then ground the box end down to fit over the nuts... works well for me.

 

[icanfixall]

Making a wrench to remove the three nuts that are 9/16 hex is not hard. Just heat up and bend. Cool and test fit. Do it again if needed. Grind to fit..

 

[bird hunter]

Well it sounds like I wasn't the only fool asking around for a 16-point socket. Actually, I was able to loosen up the 3 9/16" nuts with just a regular wrench, but it was kind of a battle.