This is definitely one of those jobs where good tools and good parts are
needed.  Loose flywheel bolts will destroy the crankshaft in very short
order. You want a really good hex bit, Hazet or Vera are my favorites. Or at
least a good impact bit, check McMaster Carr. 1/2" drive and a long breaker
bar. A flywheel lock really helps. I have been lucky with impact wrenches
and some fast heat with an oxy-acetylene torch works every time. The trick
is to heat the bolt fast enough for it to expand and loose the pre load
while softening any loc-tite before the heat can spread through the flywheel
and crankshaft. Don't bother with a regular propane torch.

These bolts should always be replaced, P.C 12.9. From the dealer they now
have a thread lock compound on them. I have had no problem with good quality
replacements.

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Jeff Lincoln
Sent: Thursday, May 02, 2013 9:53 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Flywheel Bolts

So I've got all of the flywheel bolts broken loose but one (of course).
It's getting to the point where the hex head is starting to strip.

My question is this - it threre any reason why those hex bolts couldn't be
replaced with regular bolts when I put this thing back together?
Thanks,

Jeff
'85 GL (Gertie)
'78 Bus (Melissa) Patty's Bus