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Snoopy1971
Samba Member
Joined: May 15, 2020
Posts: 311
Location: Parkville, Maryland
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 Posted: Tue Jul 01, 2025 3:27 pm Post subject: Help With Stripped Engine Bolt |
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Ok so putting my engine back in ... tightened the bottom 2 engine bolts and then moved on to the top 2.
Is the top left engine bolt supposed to catch on the casting in the transmission? Because my bolt just spins, but I can't get a socket on it because it hits the transmission casting. It looks like it's supposed to catch there, but maybe mine is worn away some.
Was able to barely get some vice grips on the bolt and got it tightened down.
Now in to my problem... The "D" engine bolt that goes through the starter, it must be stripped because the nut just keeps turning and turning and turning and never tightens down. It is snug up against the firewall and there's no play in the bolt whatsoever, but it just won't tighten.
Kind of weird because it was a brand new bolt when I put it in 5 years ago, and it literally has only been taken out and tightened and loosened about 3-4 times. Crappy aftermarket Empi bolt.
I still have my original bolt.
What should I do? Is it ok to leave? Since its the starter bolt, I kind of want to get it out and replace with my original one.
But I have no idea how to get the nut off ... it's not like there's any room behind the fan shroud to work.
Anyone have any thoughts on this?
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Cusser
Samba Member
Joined: October 02, 2006
Posts: 33103
Location: Hot Arizona
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| Posted: Tue Jul 01, 2025 4:40 pm Post subject: Re: Help With Stripped Engine Bolt |
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| Snoopy1971 wrote: |
| Is the top left engine bolt supposed to catch on the casting in the transmission? |
Yes, with 1971 and newer engine cases. These have a pressed in captive nut which can be added to earlier engine cases.
Engine Case Nut Insert Captive Nut press-in nut:
https://wolfgangint.com/case-components/2883-engine-case-nut-insert-111199102.html
I like to use a 10mm x 1.5mm x 70mm metric allen head bolt for upper left instead of a hex head bolt (Ace Hardware).
| Snoopy1971 wrote: |
Now in to my problem... The "D" engine bolt that goes through the starter, it must be stripped because the nut just keeps turning and turning and turning and never tightens down. It is snug up against the firewall and there's no play in the bolt whatsoever, but it just won't tighten.
I still have my original bolt.
What should I do? Is it ok to leave? Since its the starter bolt, I kind of want to get it out and replace with my original one.
But I have no idea how to get the nut off ... it's not like there's any room behind the fan shroud to work.
Anyone have any thoughts on this? |
I've ALWAYS been able to get my hand behind the fan shroud and loosen the upper right stater bolt's nut with a 17mm socket and ratchet. Nowadays I might even try a 17mm gearwrench.
The older VWs used a plain old hex head bolt and nut for this, one just needed a helper to go under and hold the 17mm on the bolt head from underneath.
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1970 VW (owned since 1972) and 1971 VW Convertible (owned since 1976), second owner of each. The '71 now has the 1835 engine, swapped from the '70. Second owner of each. 1988 Mazda B2200 truck, 1998 Frontier, 2014 Yukon, 2004 Frontier King Cab. All manual transmission except for the Yukon. http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/album_page.php?pic_id=335294 http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/album_page.php?pic_id=335297 |
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bsairhead
Samba Member
Joined: October 08, 2008
Posts: 4495
Location: viroqua wi.
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| Posted: Tue Jul 01, 2025 5:39 pm Post subject: Re: Help With Stripped Engine Bolt |
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| Can you feel threads with your fingernail? Are the threads on the nut gone? Is the nut the right size? |
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my3bugs
Samba Member
Joined: June 18, 2003
Posts: 871
Location: Moreno Valley
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| Posted: Tue Jul 01, 2025 5:59 pm Post subject: Re: Help With Stripped Engine Bolt |
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maybe loosen the two you tightened , put the jack back under there with just a little lift n see if you can get the top bolt started , i never fully tighten anything till i get all the bolts started first ???
Last edited by my3bugs on Tue Jul 01, 2025 7:06 pm; edited 1 time in total |
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Glenn 
Mr. 010
Joined: December 25, 2001
Posts: 79563
Location: Sneaking up behind you
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| Posted: Tue Jul 01, 2025 6:05 pm Post subject: Re: Help With Stripped Engine Bolt |
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| Snoopy1971 wrote: |
Now in to my problem... The "D" engine bolt that goes through the starter, it must be stripped because the nut just keeps turning and turning and turning and never tightens down. It is snug up against the firewall and there's no play in the bolt whatsoever, but it just won't tighten.
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Pull the bolt out and look at the threads and the nut. Or just replace both.
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Glenn
74 Beetle Specs | 74 Beetle Restoration | 2180cc Engine
"You may not get what you pay for, but you always pay for what you get"
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Buggeee
Samba Member
Joined: December 22, 2016
Posts: 4934
Location: Stuck in Ohio
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| Posted: Tue Jul 01, 2025 7:25 pm Post subject: Re: Help With Stripped Engine Bolt |
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| Snoopy1971 wrote: |
Now in to my problem... The "D" engine bolt that goes through the starter, it must be stripped because the nut just keeps turning and turning and turning and never tightens down...
But I have no idea how to get the nut off ... it's not like there's any room behind the fan shroud to work.
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Are you saying the nut also won't rotate off when tying to loosen it? That is a tough situation.
Are you sure the D bolt is not spinning? Can you have a friend try to loosen the 17mm nut while you lie under the car and reach up there with your hand to feel if the D bolt is spining?
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Snoopy1971
Samba Member
Joined: May 15, 2020
Posts: 311
Location: Parkville, Maryland
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| Posted: Tue Jul 01, 2025 7:34 pm Post subject: Re: Help With Stripped Engine Bolt |
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| bsairhead wrote: |
| Can you feel threads with your fingernail? Are the threads on the nut gone? Is the nut the right size? |
How would I feel the threads on the nut, when the nut is on the bolt? ... But yeah it's the right nut, as it came with it in the set.
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Snoopy1971
Samba Member
Joined: May 15, 2020
Posts: 311
Location: Parkville, Maryland
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| Posted: Tue Jul 01, 2025 7:35 pm Post subject: Re: Help With Stripped Engine Bolt |
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| Glenn wrote: |
| Snoopy1971 wrote: |
Now in to my problem... The "D" engine bolt that goes through the starter, it must be stripped because the nut just keeps turning and turning and turning and never tightens down. It is snug up against the firewall and there's no play in the bolt whatsoever, but it just won't tighten.
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Pull the bolt out and look at the threads and the nut. Or just replace both. |
I cant pull the bolt out ... the nut just keeps spinning in both directions ... it never comes off.
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Snoopy1971
Samba Member
Joined: May 15, 2020
Posts: 311
Location: Parkville, Maryland
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| Posted: Tue Jul 01, 2025 7:36 pm Post subject: Re: Help With Stripped Engine Bolt |
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| Buggeee wrote: |
| Snoopy1971 wrote: |
Now in to my problem... The "D" engine bolt that goes through the starter, it must be stripped because the nut just keeps turning and turning and turning and never tightens down...
But I have no idea how to get the nut off ... it's not like there's any room behind the fan shroud to work.
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Are you saying the nut also won't rotate off when tying to loosen it? That is a tough situation.
Are you sure the D bolt is not spinning? Can you have a friend try to loosen the 17mm nut while you lie under the car and reach up there with your hand to feel if the D bolt is spining? |
Correctamundo ... it wont rotate off ... the D bolt isnt spinning. I was sitting there watching it as my friend turned the wrench on the nut in both directrions
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Snoopy1971
Samba Member
Joined: May 15, 2020
Posts: 311
Location: Parkville, Maryland
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| Posted: Tue Jul 01, 2025 7:41 pm Post subject: Re: Help With Stripped Engine Bolt |
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| Cusser wrote: |
| Snoopy1971 wrote: |
| Is the top left engine bolt supposed to catch on the casting in the transmission? |
Yes, with 1971 and newer engine cases. These have a pressed in captive nut which can be added to earlier engine cases.
Engine Case Nut Insert Captive Nut press-in nut:
https://wolfgangint.com/case-components/2883-engine-case-nut-insert-111199102.html
I like to use a 10mm x 1.5mm x 70mm metric allen head bolt for upper left instead of a hex head bolt (Ace Hardware).
| Snoopy1971 wrote: |
Now in to my problem... The "D" engine bolt that goes through the starter, it must be stripped because the nut just keeps turning and turning and turning and never tightens down. It is snug up against the firewall and there's no play in the bolt whatsoever, but it just won't tighten.
I still have my original bolt.
What should I do? Is it ok to leave? Since its the starter bolt, I kind of want to get it out and replace with my original one.
But I have no idea how to get the nut off ... it's not like there's any room behind the fan shroud to work.
Anyone have any thoughts on this? |
I've ALWAYS been able to get my hand behind the fan shroud and loosen the upper right stater bolt's nut with a 17mm socket and ratchet. Nowadays I might even try a 17mm gearwrench.
The older VWs used a plain old hex head bolt and nut for this, one just needed a helper to go under and hold the 17mm on the bolt head from underneath. |
I think I confused people by asking about both bolts/nuts  . I dont have the captive nuts ... those are on a doghouse engine correct? What I meant, was does the bolthead of the upper left bolt, "catch" the casting in the tranny housing, like the D bolt does on the starter. I ask because I cant get a socket on it, as it there is a part of the tranny housing blocking me from getting it on ... it looks like there was something there to catch the bolt head but maybe it wore away, as the bolt head spins when turned from the other side.
The only way I was able to get that bolt tightened was I barely got some vicegrips on it while my friend turned the nut on the other end
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Snoopy1971
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Joined: May 15, 2020
Posts: 311
Location: Parkville, Maryland
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| Posted: Tue Jul 01, 2025 7:42 pm Post subject: Re: Help With Stripped Engine Bolt |
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I think I'm going to loosen the other starter nut and pry a screw driver behind it and see if the force will will let a friend get the nut off
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Cusser
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Joined: October 02, 2006
Posts: 33103
Location: Hot Arizona
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Snoopy1971
Samba Member
Joined: May 15, 2020
Posts: 311
Location: Parkville, Maryland
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| Posted: Wed Jul 02, 2025 8:01 am Post subject: Re: Help With Stripped Engine Bolt |
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| Cusser wrote: |
| Bring the VW to Arizona, I'll get that going !!! |
Too hot for me!! ... yeah yeah I know, it's a dry heat 
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KTPhil
Samba Member
Joined: April 06, 2006
Posts: 35914
Location: Conejo Valley, CA
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| Posted: Wed Jul 02, 2025 8:32 am Post subject: Re: Help With Stripped Engine Bolt |
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Nothing to capture the bolt head on the upper left bolt. On older cars I have used vice grips, or a box end wrench wedged in.
Regardless, it is well worthwhile to clean, deburr, and lightly lubricate all engine mount hardware before using. Make sure the companion nut catches a thread and spins freely in your hand. Sometimes the slightest friction or burr will make the other part spin and come loose, causing endless frustration.
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Snoopy1971
Samba Member
Joined: May 15, 2020
Posts: 311
Location: Parkville, Maryland
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| Posted: Sat Jul 05, 2025 11:17 am Post subject: Re: Help With Stripped Engine Bolt |
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Whoah ... what an ordeal. I wanted to try a nut splitter, but after using the splitter on a test nut/bolt in my vice, I had to use so much force in it, my vice would spin, so changed my mind... I didnt want t put that much force on it in the car and risk damaging or cracking the case flange around the bolt hole.
I ended uo having to pull the carb off and lift the fan shroud and hold it in place and remove the generator/fan so I could see through the hole.
Had the grind the nut off with a dremel and carbide bit.
WTF is with that bolt. Damn chinesium bolt sheared the threads flat.
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VW_Jimbo
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Joined: May 22, 2016
Posts: 11183
Location: Huntington Beach, CA
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| Posted: Sat Jul 05, 2025 11:44 am Post subject: Re: Help With Stripped Engine Bolt |
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What does the bolt head face say?
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Jimbo
There is never enough time to do it right the first time, but all the time necessary the second time!
| TDCTDI wrote: |
| Basically, a whole bunch of fuckery to achieve a look. |
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Glenn
Mr. 010
Joined: December 25, 2001
Posts: 79563
Location: Sneaking up behind you
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| Posted: Sat Jul 05, 2025 11:58 am Post subject: Re: Help With Stripped Engine Bolt |
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| VW_Jimbo wrote: |
| What does the bolt head face say? |
I bet it says OUCH.
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Glenn
74 Beetle Specs | 74 Beetle Restoration | 2180cc Engine
"You may not get what you pay for, but you always pay for what you get"
Member #1009
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VW_Jimbo
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Joined: May 22, 2016
Posts: 11183
Location: Huntington Beach, CA
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| Posted: Sat Jul 05, 2025 12:04 pm Post subject: Re: Help With Stripped Engine Bolt |
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| Glenn wrote: |
| VW_Jimbo wrote: |
| What does the bolt head face say? |
I bet it says OUCH. |
Totally agree!
But just maybe it is a grade 5 bolt. It would make way more sense than the 10.8 that should be there!
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Jimbo
There is never enough time to do it right the first time, but all the time necessary the second time!
| TDCTDI wrote: |
| Basically, a whole bunch of fuckery to achieve a look. |
| 67rustavenger wrote: |
| GFY's Xevin and VW_Jimbo! |
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Snoopy1971
Samba Member
Joined: May 15, 2020
Posts: 311
Location: Parkville, Maryland
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| Posted: Sat Jul 05, 2025 12:45 pm Post subject: Re: Help With Stripped Engine Bolt |
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| VW_Jimbo wrote: |
| What does the bolt head face say? |
It was the D bolt ... nothing on the bolt head. I believe it was this set I had ordered...
https://www.jbugs.com/product/9551.html
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jinx758
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Joined: October 04, 2014
Posts: 1030
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| Posted: Sat Jul 05, 2025 3:56 pm Post subject: Re: Help With Stripped Engine Bolt |
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What a bugger !
The simplest things can be SO frustrating.
Hah hah, you win !
Say that from having to break loose 3&1/2" gland nuts on hydraulic cylinders being held on with red Locktite. Some took a 12' cheater bar, rosette tip w/acetylene torc, & 4 guys hanging on cheater bar.
Sounded like a shotgun when it popped loose ! LOL
Good job ... stay safe
jinx
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