"If you are trying to remove a Phillips head screw where the slots are stripped out, try adding some valve grinding compound to the slots and slowly backing it out. I've also added it (the compound) to a socket to help remove rounded off nuts and bolts. Add some fine brake rotor shavings borrowed from your brake lathe to get an even more aggressive bite on hard to turn fasteners."
Tips like these are what our tech tip contest is all about: the little things that make life easier, help jobs go smoother or reduce the physical strain inherent in our business. Thanks, Charlie, for taking the time to share this one with the next generation of techs!
Charlie Cruz Charlie Cruz is a 54-year-old automotive tech with more than 35 years in the field. He is ASE certified and has attended Ford factory training. He works for Pope Davis Tire Pro in Columbia, S.C., and tells Motor Age, "I just enjoy working on all kinds of cars, or whatever has a motor!" For his winning tip, Charlie receives a fender cover from Mitchell 1 along with a hand-crank emergency flashlight. Enter your tips at MotorAge.com/TechTips for your chance to win.
Honorable Mentions
Durango H
Editor's note: This tip applies to the Durango, but similar issues occur on a variety of vehicles so it's worth filing in your "be sure to check" list!
"Had a Durango come in with repeat H
There are usually good reasons for repeat failures, so be sure to diagnose the cause and not just the symptom!
Removing tough H
If you're removing an oxygen sensor or air/fuel sensor and it begins to seize up after a couple of turns, pour some brake fluid on the threads. Screw the sensor back in and wait a minute or two, then remove it. It should come out easily without damaging the exhaust's threads and works better than using conventional penetrating oil. A large syringe can be used to apply the brake fluid to hard to reach sensors.
