VOD Question

[sdg3205]

Don't panic. Clean it out with brake clean and you'll probably see it is just 35 years of spills and sand.

[David T]

Don't panic. Clean it out with brake clean and you'll probably see it is just 35 years of spills and sand.

That sand is what remains after you boil anti-freeze. It leaks out of the seals, hoses, and gaskets and fills up the cavities. Just scoop it out and clean it up best you can.

[Lou and "Boo"]

My VOD seems like it's constantly corroding. A few months after vacuuming it out, there are pieces of corrosion again. I do not have a garage and I do live on a salt water canal. That probably explains the corrosion.'I even get surface corrosion on my aluminum Peugeot intake manifold.

[OverlandMan]

Alright I feel better now. I cleaned out the concerning area and so far, no issues. I'll admit, the panic was starting to set in. I appreciate all the quick replies. I went ahead and ordered PJ Grady's silicon hose kit with clamps for the Y-Pipe and heater hose. I was able to get 3 of the 4 Y-pipe bolts loose. The 4th I've hit with PB-Blaster a couple of times. I'm going to let it soak overnight and check it tomorrow.

[DMCVegas]

If it won't come loose, spray it with the PB Blaster like you did, and then gently tighten and then try and loosen the bolt again to try and break it loose.

[OverlandMan]

If it won't come loose, spray it with the PB Blaster like you did, and then gently tighten and then try and loosen the bolt again to try and break it loose.

I will give this a try tonight. Thanks.

[PJ Grady Inc.]

I will give this a try tonight. Thanks.

I'll assume you don't have access to compressed air but here's a trick anyone can try. Take a medium sized hammer and a heavy brass punch and give the top of the bolt head several sharp hits. Try to loosen and repeat hammer blows as needed. If you have compressed air using a small air ratchet at a low setting can often vibrate the part loose. The hammer does the same thing using a different technique. As someone already mentioned an inexpensive propane torch, to heat the aluminum pipe, could also help and would be a wise investment.
Rob

[OverlandMan]

I'll assume you don't have access to compressed air but here's a trick anyone can try. Take a medium sized hammer and a heavy brass punch and give the top of the bolt head several sharp hits. Try to loosen and repeat hammer blows as needed. If you have compressed air using a small air ratchet at a low setting can often vibrate the part loose. The hammer does the same thing using a different technique. As someone already mentioned an inexpensive propane torch, to heat the aluminum pipe, could also help and would be a wise investment.
Rob

Actually I do have an air compressor + tools and a propane torch. I used my torch (after soaking the stuck bolt with PB Blaster overnight) to heat it up a bit. It didn't take long and I was able to get it out without breaking anything. I now have the Y pipe and rubber hoses off. I'm starting on the cleaning process now.

[DMCVegas]

Make sure you take a wire brush to the bolt threads, and the a tap to chase the hole threads to clean them both out.

[OverlandMan]

Make sure you take a wire brush to the bolt threads, and the a tap to chase the hole threads to clean them both out.

About that, do the bolts need to be sealed upon re-installation like with RTV or Permatex or something?