why o why do they always want to strip when using crapman tools??? especially 5 mm (oil pan) and 8 mm.
I want to replace a flex disc but no matter how careful I work, they WILL strip. so basically you just can't do it. (I have no air) does anyone know of a hex key that is the right size for mb 8mm? don't say use a snap on 8mm because I'm sure there's something wrong with the batch of allen bolts mb used to wrench their cars together. (why use allens anyway)

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1964 datsun 1500
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this is where I quote some dude, so I look smart because of quoting that dude that said something smart once

You must be using he wrong size. I've never had a problem with any of them stripping.

I have had many bolts that were difficult to remove. My guess is the previous mechanic just REALLY tightened everything down, instead of using torque specs. The transmission pan on my SD came off just fine though.
I have heard of folks banging in a torx tool to gain a bite. I've also heard of folks using heat.
8mm is 8mm the world over. The next size up torx is T50, but that's 8.72mm.
Before you remove it, make sure you have a new replacement.
Good luck.

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83 SD

84 CD

of course you haven't.
an 8 mm craftsman WILL strip the mb 8mm allen on the flex disc. I clean out the bolt, make sure it's all the way in, hold the (very thin) 17mm at the back with a snap on wrench, and put force on it. it strips. allen bolts like to strip. it has to be the crapman tool then.

I gave up. of course it's the last one that stripped. I'm going to install a manual in my sd next year anyway. at least you don't have to adjust those for days and days before they shift halfway decent.

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1964 datsun 1500
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this is where I quote some dude, so I look smart because of quoting that dude that said something smart once

None of my flex discs had hex heads.

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DJ


84 300D Turbodiesel 190K with 4 speed manual sold in 03/2012

Dont know what your doing wrong but I have removed allot of MB allens and not had a problem and I do use the impact wrench on flex couplings. I did have to use an "easy out" on a motor mount allen that someone had managed to "round out"
Make sure the allen is cleaned out well before inserting the tool.

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1985 Euro 240D 5 spd 140K
1979 240D 5 spd, 40K on engine rebuild
1994 Dodge/Cummins, 5 spd, 121K
1964 Allice Chalmers D15 tractor
2014 Kubota L3800 tractor
1964 VW bug

"Lifes too short to drive a boring car"

Usually when they strip its because you didn't get them seated all the way in or you allow the allen to slip from straight in.

If you get a really tough one I keep a hand held impact wrench with allen heads. It is absoulutely essential for the door latch allens.

Tom W

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

Been there, stripped that.....




Same type of bolts hold on my AC compressor....

^^Stripped those out too..

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-Justin

91 560 SEC AMG - other dogs dd
01 Honda S2000 - dogs dd
07 MB ML320 CDI - dd
16 Lexus IS250 - wifes dd

it's automatic.

I dip the allen socket tip in valve grinding compound to remove stubborn bolts. Craftsman doesn't have real sharp corners on their allen sockets.

you need to buy a good set of allen wrenches, not the sears or harbor freight or home depot ones. go to MSC or grainger and order an industrial set of true "allen" brand wrenches. you will be amazed how nice the allen bolts are when the tool are hardened enough to perform correctly.

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1982 300CD Turbo (Otis, "ups & downs") parts for sale
2003 TJ with Hemi (to go anywhere, quickly) sold
2001 Excursion Powerstroke (to go dependably)
1970 Mustang 428SCJ (to go fast)
1962 Corvette LS1 (to go in style)
2001 Schwinn Grape Krate 10spd (if all else fails)

I use a piece of a paper shop towel wrapped around the bit and lighty tap it into the hex.

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Dave
1983 300D Daily Driver

yep, if I had air, an impact wrench and a name brand (not crapman) socket it would have been out in 2 seconds...
but I don't. lucky me, the transmission seal doesn't leak and the disc is only just starting to crack a little. good for another 50k I presume. and by then the 280 tranny will go in. plenty of those where this car is going...

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1964 datsun 1500
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this is where I quote some dude, so I look smart because of quoting that dude that said something smart once

I use the "hand held" on the seat rail allens also, a great tool.

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1985 Euro 240D 5 spd 140K
1979 240D 5 spd, 40K on engine rebuild
1994 Dodge/Cummins, 5 spd, 121K
1964 Allice Chalmers D15 tractor
2014 Kubota L3800 tractor
1964 VW bug

"Lifes too short to drive a boring car"

That's a shame. Our basement and toolboxes are all full of Craftsman stuff; back in the day they were some of the best tools you could get - lifetime replacement was a safe bet because you had to work hard to need the replacements. When you did, they were (and still are, hopefully) hassle-free.

EDIT: I meant, some of the best tools you could get if you weren't in the market for the highest-up, extreme, "professional" stuff. For the average homeowner, and DIY customer, Craftsman used to be awfully nice stuff.

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~Michael S.~
Past cars:

1986 300SDL
1987 300SDL
1982 240D
1982 300SD


Current:

1987 300SDL

What type of easy out did you use? - I have that problem on one of my mounts right now. Thanks.