Beginning rebuild on Escalade LQ9 motor

[02EscaNate]

Trying to figure out the best way to unbolt the heads from the y pipe underneath. The bolts are pretty well seized, so I don’t think there’s going to be an easy way. Debating right now if I want to invest in a torch, or just stick a 1/2” impact gun on it and hope for the best. I soaked them already with wd-40 and used my smaller impact, and they didn’t budge.


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[Rocket Man]

Trying to figure out the best way to unbolt the heads from the y pipe underneath. The bolts are pretty well seized, so I don’t think there’s going to be an easy way. Debating right now if I want to invest in a torch, or just stick a 1/2” impact gun on it and hope for the best. I soaked them already with wd-40 and used my smaller impact, and they didn’t budge.


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You should be able to break the bolts with a 1/2" impact. Also , when you're unbolting the bell housing bolts get some really long extensions, like 3' worth. You'll need them for the top bolts.

 

[bottomline2000]

Trying to figure out the best way to unbolt the heads from the y pipe underneath. The bolts are pretty well seized, so I don’t think there’s going to be an easy way. Debating right now if I want to invest in a torch, or just stick a 1/2” impact gun on it and hope for the best. I soaked them already with wd-40 and used my smaller impact, and they didn’t budge.


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I hope you are referring to the rust ********* wd 40.regular wd40 isn't going to do it. A 1/2 impact should do it after soaking the bolts.

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[02EscaNate]

I hope you are referring to the rust ********* wd 40.regular wd40 isn't going to do it. A 1/2 impact should do it after soaking the bolts.

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Yeah, it’s wd-40 “blue flame” or something like that. Supposedly it breaks through rust better. I’m just worried about snapping the bolts off, but I’ll cross that bridge when I come to it.


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[Nashoba]

Yes, WD-40 has a rust penetrant that works quite well, actually. I had a pair of rust-locked side cutters that I could not budge loose so I bought some of the WD-40 rust stuff and let the cutters soak in some of it. It worked and the cutters are functioning like new, almost. I was impressed. Don't know that it works any better than the good old 3-in-one anti-rust version, though. The only advantage is that it is easier to get way back in there with the WD-40 "spray" feature.

 

[swathdiver]

PB Blaster and Kroil, if they don't help break it loose, a propane torch might do better.

 

[RST Dana]

Trying to figure out the best way to unbolt the heads from the y pipe underneath. The bolts are pretty well seized, so I don’t think there’s going to be an easy way. Debating right now if I want to invest in a torch, or just stick a 1/2” impact gun on it and hope for the best. I soaked them already with wd-40 and used my smaller impact, and they didn’t budge.


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Even if the bolts break off, it is no big deal if you are replacing the heads anyway....

 

[05alive]

I think he might mean headers, as those would be what connects to the y pipe.

Heat the bolts with a bernzomatic, that should do it. If an impact and mapp gas won't do it, just cut it. You can replace the parts for relatively cheap.

 

[02EscaNate]

Well, slight update/change of plans for this one. I still might be rebuilding this engine, but, we were able to track down a junkyard LQ9 that is getting swapped in for the foreseeable future. Engine has 50k less miles than on the old one, and I have a fairly short commute so it should last a while.

My mechanic doesn’t need the engine that’s coming out for a core return, so I’m considering hanging onto it for a rebuild in the garage. Will definitely be a long term project, but at least I’ll have the truck back on the road for now.


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[02EscaNate]

Going to go ahead and continue fixing up the Escalade. New engine runs like a champ (and actually better than the old one..) . My guess is the valves needed adjustment before one finally let go, because this engine is much smoother. Our mechanic replaced all of the engine gaskets before dropping it in, so hopefully those will be good for another 100k+ miles.

Moved onto the headlights next. I thought about polishing them, but the plastic that holds the bulbs in place was basically crumbling away. I went ahead and bought some new ones from 1A auto and...wow what a difference.

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