Rep Power: 0

Hey everybody!
I'm in the process of changing the clutch on my civic and the bell housing bolt right under the thermostat is about 1/2 inch from being out and now it spins either way and won't back out or go in....I've run an impact on it both ways and it won't catch...I've beat the $#!&$: outa it with a slide hammer and it won't even think about moving....not sure what to do...time for a grinder? And if I can cut the bolt off and the remove the tranny and then get the bolt out (doubtful) what will I do upon reassembly? Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

 
Rep Power: 518

Cut the head off, slide trans off, then deal with the remains.
Probably will need a thread repair insert and another bolt once you get it out.

 
Rep Power: 0

Okay....that was what I thought I'd end up doing...
What if I can't remove the cutoff bolt? I know there is a bolt there for a reason but if I can't remove the cutoff is it okay to leave it alone?

 
Rep Power: 518

Ummm Ok how about this: Don't cut the head off.
Get all the rest loose so the trans will pull away from the engine....stuff prybars between the bellhousing and block, apply pressure (pry apart) while spinning the bolt with an impact gun.
I can't answer this one.

 
Rep Power: 0

Okay I'll give it a shot!
I'd rather try everything before cutting stuff lol
Thanks a lot for the help!
It means a ton to a new guy!

 
Rep Power: 0

You are awesome! Emptied my compressor twice running my impact and working with a 4 foot crowbar....and I started seeing bits of aluminum around the threads so I kept after it and the bolt finally pulled out!
Thanks so much for the help!

 
Rep Power: 518

When you reassemble it, you may want to use some anti-seize on the threads of all the bolts that go into aluminum.

 
Rep Power: 0

Yeah will do! The only good part of having to take everything apart is that if you grease everything...if you ever have to take it apart it's a snap!