There are parts of a car that just do not get along. If you think about it, the environment you place them in is hostile to begin with. Moving metal parts are subjected to high heat and explosions, such as the pistons, connecting rods and crankshaft. Talk about your tough relationships. But, sometimes the problems that occur are not located in such a harsh environment.
Take the case of the steel stud, and the thermostat housing, on a 1999 Ford Escort, that recently graced the bays of the shop. It was in need of some cooling system maintenance; hoses, coolant and a thermostat. The hoses were an event by themselves, but that is not the subject at hand. The thermostat is located at the driver's side end of the cylinder head, and held on by 3, rather long, 6mm thread bolts. It is in one of those spots, that is both hard and easy to get at.
While removing the lower left corner bolt, I felt it start to tighten up. Reversing direction, on my ratchet, made it easier. After about 3 attempts, changing direction back and forth....SNAP! ....Broken Bolt. Because of the location, I was not able to spray any rust penetrant or lubricant, on the bolt, so I was not surprised. Upon examination, it became obvious, as to why.
A steel bolt in aluminum, surrounded by a seeping thermostat gasket adding coolant to the mix, very slowly, created a reaction, causing the bolt to sieze. (not saying the coolant alone did the damage, but it sure didn't help). You know, it created friction, just like your relatives at Christmas. Dissimilar metals don't get along to begin with. Adding them to an engine creates a whole new set of concerns.
Once I removed the rest of the bolts, and the housing, I was able to put a little bit of heat on the stud and work it out, one turn at a time. The end result was good; no damage to the head and only slight setback to the schedule of the work day.
Remember, automobiles are like relatives. Usually they get along well, but when they don't, expect the unexpected. You'll live longer and happier.
In a previous blog, “A Runners Wife” I spoke about my husband training for the NYC marathon. All I have to say is that the months of training all came together of an amazing race. Race day is a grueling day for runners, and the family. But a miracle happened...
U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder testified before the senate judiciary committee and basically shrugged when asked if any other enemy combatant captured overseas had ever been brought to civilian criminal court to face justice. Talk about an incompetent boob, not to mention a disgrace.
Here is a list of wines all from Spain, and menus from restaurants in Brooklyn where a crew of us did a food / wine crawl through Carrol Gardens and Williamsburg recently
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