Hello everyone. I have a small problem, although I'm slightly mechanical inclined, this is a new problem for me. I am currently trying to change out my voltage regulator and the metal screws holding it in place are stripped and stuck really bad. What would be your way to getting it out? I cannot dremel cut it because the alternator is still in the engine bay, but loose. That's the only way I can change it out without removing the fan shroud. I don't have a drill but I will buy one today or tomorrow, thanks in advance.
Stripped screw that's really stuck
- Thread starter PhuongFU
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This screw extractor worked for me the last time I needed one
got a pic of what you are dealing with?
If the screws turn, but don't back out:
I'd try to get something under the head, perhaps a small flat blade screwdriver, and pry at the head, developing a pressure to extract the screw. Then I'd turn the screw with another screwdriver and see if I could back the screw out.
I'd try to get something under the head, perhaps a small flat blade screwdriver, and pry at the head, developing a pressure to extract the screw. Then I'd turn the screw with another screwdriver and see if I could back the screw out.
What year, make, model and engine is this? I need more than a mental picture of a generic alternator mounted regulator.
Originally Posted By: Rick in PA
If the screws turn, but don't back out:
I'd try to get something under the head, perhaps a small flat blade screwdriver, and pry at the head, developing a pressure to extract the screw. Then I'd turn the screw with another screwdriver and see if I could back the screw out.
^^^ I've used this a number of times with pretty good success.
If the head is stripped, I will use a locking vise grip on it if I can get it to lock, I've had OK success with it. One word of caution the added torque has ripped heads off of some screws so I would certainly hit the screw/bolt with penetrating oil, maybe a couple of taps with a hammer as well. Sometimes the screw head does break off and the vise grip then has more room to lock onto the threads sticking out.
If the screws turn, but don't back out:
I'd try to get something under the head, perhaps a small flat blade screwdriver, and pry at the head, developing a pressure to extract the screw. Then I'd turn the screw with another screwdriver and see if I could back the screw out.
^^^ I've used this a number of times with pretty good success.
If the head is stripped, I will use a locking vise grip on it if I can get it to lock, I've had OK success with it. One word of caution the added torque has ripped heads off of some screws so I would certainly hit the screw/bolt with penetrating oil, maybe a couple of taps with a hammer as well. Sometimes the screw head does break off and the vise grip then has more room to lock onto the threads sticking out.
If space permits, sometimes it's possible to "TIG" weld an old screwdriver to the screw. Then back it out.
I sure don't, sorry. It's a stuck screw in the alternator
Originally Posted By: slacktide_bitog
This screw extractor worked for me the last time I needed one
Ok thanks, I will try it
This screw extractor worked for me the last time I needed one
Ok thanks, I will try it
Originally Posted By: Rick in PA
If the screws turn, but don't back out:
I'd try to get something under the head, perhaps a small flat blade screwdriver, and pry at the head, developing a pressure to extract the screw. Then I'd turn the screw with another screwdriver and see if I could back the screw out.
It doesn't spin, it's stuck and I can't get anything under the head because it's recessed into the voltage regulator
If the screws turn, but don't back out:
I'd try to get something under the head, perhaps a small flat blade screwdriver, and pry at the head, developing a pressure to extract the screw. Then I'd turn the screw with another screwdriver and see if I could back the screw out.
It doesn't spin, it's stuck and I can't get anything under the head because it's recessed into the voltage regulator
Originally Posted By: Cujet
If space permits, sometimes it's possible to "TIG" weld an old screwdriver to the screw. Then back it out.
I wish I knew how To weld lol
If space permits, sometimes it's possible to "TIG" weld an old screwdriver to the screw. Then back it out.
I wish I knew how To weld lol
Originally Posted By: Trav
What year, make, model and engine is this? I need more than a mental picture of a generic alternator mounted regulator.
It's a 2003 Mercedes clk 500
What year, make, model and engine is this? I need more than a mental picture of a generic alternator mounted regulator.
It's a 2003 Mercedes clk 500
Thanks for the responses everyone. I can't take another crack at it until my next off day. I decided that I will get a reverse drill bit and drill off the head. Once I drill the head off, I can just slide the VR off of the alternator. Then maybe I can grab the remaining suck stud with vice grips oyou unscrew it.
Does anyone have another idea to remove the stuck stud once I drill the head off? Thanks in advance.
Does anyone have another idea to remove the stuck stud once I drill the head off? Thanks in advance.
Originally Posted By: PhuongFU
Originally Posted By: Trav
What year, make, model and engine is this? I need more than a mental picture of a generic alternator mounted regulator.
It's a 2003 Mercedes clk 500
That's what I was afraid of, the screws being recessed. If the screws heads are not totally rounded out you could still try a small hand held impact driver you hit with a hammer (I would have used that first).
Otherwise drilling the heads off is probably the best bet at this point, start spraying the 3 screws once a day with penetrating oil.
Originally Posted By: Trav
What year, make, model and engine is this? I need more than a mental picture of a generic alternator mounted regulator.
It's a 2003 Mercedes clk 500
That's what I was afraid of, the screws being recessed. If the screws heads are not totally rounded out you could still try a small hand held impact driver you hit with a hammer (I would have used that first).
Otherwise drilling the heads off is probably the best bet at this point, start spraying the 3 screws once a day with penetrating oil.
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