Bolt

[JimmyJuneau]

I can't get a bolt to grab the threads. I have wrenched on it for hours! ok maybe not hours but it seems like it. The bolt is on a 80 f250. It is the top bolt on the alternator. Does anyone ahve any tricks on how to get a bolt to "grip" Im stumped!

 

[boz42]

Did you try starting the bolt into the alt. with it off the truck?? Maybe it is a different thread diameter or pitch.

 

[JimmyJuneau]

It isnt a new bolt its the original. the threads on the bolt look good. I cant see what the other end looks like.

 

[tRustyK5]

Prolly stripped threads in the alt. Might have to run a tap through it to chase the threads.

Rene

 

[boz42]

You didn't change the alt?

If not more than likely the threads in the alt. are galled & will need to be heli-cored.

 

[JimmyJuneau]

There are no threads in the alt. It is an 8 inch long bolt with about an inch of thread on the end. the bolt slides throgh the alt and into the bracket. The alt is not threaded.

 

[boz42]

Then you are prolly just not holding you mouth right. At least that & another comment about hair is what my Dad always says.


Also all of the Fords I have worked on the top bolt was the smaller bolt that threaded into the alt. I am sure Rene was thinking the saem.

 

[mnstrburbon]

It is probably the bolt that goes through and into the head or a lower bracket the nut is probably missing off that bracket or it not lining up into the head. try loosinign all other bolt so there is movement adn then start all the bolt and then install belt and tighten everything down.

 

[bradshawtech]

My guess is that you had the brackets off or loosened enough to move out of position. Try to start the bolt without the alt in position then it will show you what is not lining up.

 

[Mike D]

1980 was when all the OEM's went metric. All body bolts were ( supposed to be )metric and all engine accessory bolts were american. Some accessory bolts also showed up metric. Possibly the long bolt you removed is wrong and never really cought the thread. Check if someone put JB Weld in the hole.