Hitman's Pontiac Trans Am Forum

Trans Am Information => Trans Am Tech => DriveTrain => Topic started by: jvmagic on February 17, 2018, 03:11:08 PM

Title: 79' TA - choke heater plate removable
Post by: jvmagic on February 17, 2018, 03:11:08 PM

Hi,
 
I need to replace the broken choke heater tubes and the two bolts that hold this plate on really tight for obvious reasons.  I have lubricated these two bolts a few times to see if this helps.....the one I can reach is not budging.  The second bolt closest to the front of the engine is the hardest to get to with the carb on. 
 
Have others been able to remove these two bolts with the carb on?  Can I somehow remove the broken tubes without removing the plate?  One tube is broken level to the plate so there is nothing to grab on to.  Any ideas?  I will continue to saturate with a lubricant. 
 
Thanks in advance.

Title: Re: 79' TA - choke heater plate removable
Post by: 78w72 on February 17, 2018, 04:19:09 PM

the bolts should come out, they can get rusted/stuck in place due to the environment they are in.  couple tricks you can try are heat them up with a propane torch then let cool, this will sometimes break the rust bond.  also rap on them with a hammer that will do the same thing.  spraying lube doesnt do much as it cant get to the threads very well when the bolt is tightened.  use a good wrench or socket so you dont round the heads of the bolt. also try a swivel & extension to get on the bolt then use an impact gun, the shocking forces will usually break it free... or bust the bolt head off to allow to remove the plate & tubes & hopefully leave enough of the bolt to grab onto or weld a nut to remove.  good luck!