Correct tool to remove 200tdi connecting rod?

[aclarke]

I'm replacing a bent conrod on my 200tdi and have come across a strange 12-point bolt head holding the conrod to the crankshaft, and another one beside it that I can't remember exactly what it does but I think I have to remove it too. They're slightly different sizes from each other.

Does anybody know what kind and sizes of sockets I need to remove these? I thought maybe they were e-torx so I bought a whole bunch of those before realizing that my e-torx sockets are all 6 point and don't fit.

I also tried a set of 12-point metric sockets but couldn't get them to work either. Maybe it's because I have cheap ones...

Someone told me that what I need are Bi-hex nuts? I've never heard of these before and don't really want to go out and order even more specialized sockets that I'll probably never use again before realizing they're the wrong ones...

Thanks for any input anybody has on this. This is the first time I've taken an engine apart and I'm glad for the help I'm getting from more knowledgeable friends!

- Andrew.

[aclarke]

Please excuse the cross-post here. I meant to post this in the Defender section rather than the Discovery section. Please disregard this posting unless you have something to add ;) in which case if you could add it to http://forum.landrovernet.com/showthread.php?p=1088988 I'd appreciate it.

Thanks, and sorry for the confusion.
- Andrew.

[SIDEEZ]

they are probably imperial 12 point std sockets if metric don't fit

[TEMPL4R]

Bi hex is 12 point.

Chris

[Satancom]

I just used a 13mm standard metric socket from my box on my conrods (looked the same). They were the multipoint type sockets though! Have gripped fine and I have undonw all 16 conrods without any slipping or hassle :)

[aclarke]

I just used a 13mm standard metric socket from my box on my conrods (looked the same). They were the multipoint type sockets though! Have gripped fine and I have undonw all 16 conrods without any slipping or hassle :)

So you just used a standard 12 point 13mm socket? I tried that and it started chewing up my bolt head. Nobody seems to sell bi-hex tools in Canada, not even the specialist type places. I'm still tracking stuff down.

It looks like there's a German company called Elora (also the name of our 5 month old daughter) that makes these and I think I found a US distributor so if all else fails I'll check them out and do some cross-border shopping...

Thanks again,
- Andrew.

[Satancom]

So you just used a standard 12 point 13mm socket?

Yup.. maybe on my petrol con-rods they are tourqued down less so gave up easier? No chewing or anything. But sounds like Chris has the right name of the socket.. maybe available on ebay?

Yes they do, something like this I guess?

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/DRAPER-13233-13MM-3-8-SQ-DR-SOCKET-HI-TORQ-BI-HEX_W0QQitemZ270259721926QQcmdZViewItem

Also as sideez says maybe they are imperial?

[aclarke]

Yup.. maybe on my petrol con-rods they are tourqued down less so gave up easier? No chewing or anything. But sounds like Chris has the right name of the socket.. maybe available on ebay?

Yes they do, something like this I guess?

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/DRAPER-13233-13MM-3-8-SQ-DR-SOCKET-HI-TORQ-BI-HEX_W0QQitemZ270259721926QQcmdZViewItem

Also as sideez says maybe they are imperial?

Thanks. I could get them off eBay or buy them from a UK-based company but I'd like to do the work on my vehicle this weekend so am hoping to find someone local.

I very much doubt that they are imperial as everything else on the 200tdi is metric. That would be very strange.

- Andrew.

[TEMPL4R]

Standard sockets are 6 sided, single hexagon,( hex ).
12 point are bi hex

Ribe are used on Fiats.

12 spline are Mercedes and VW mainly.

Chris

[Satancom]

Ahh that all make sense... last picture are torx bits aren't they.. damn peugoets are full of them..

[spandit]

Go get some MasterTool from Canadian Tire - good stuff!!

[SIDEEZ]

I use the 12 point sockets for easier bolts and nuts if they are tight and dont want to come off or are very rusty 6 point if they are rounded the next size down and a hammer with some gentle persuading and a little heat. think the halfor sets are 12 point in 1/2" and 3/8 and 1/4 are 6 point they are good tools had a set for 13 years and only replaced insides of 1/2 rachet last year

[aclarke]

OK then I am officially an idiot. I tried my 12 point sockets again and they worked perfectly. 14mm for the bearing shells and 15mm for the conrod.

Originally I'd tried the 14mm on the conrod nuts and it of course didn't work. I then tried the next size bigger on the sockets I'd bought specially for the job and it didn't fit. It was 16mm and I didn't realize until later that it skipped 15mm.

So tonight I realized that, and also realized that I had a pretty good complement of 12 point sockets already. I found a 15mm socket and was good to go. Oh well, thanks for all your help!

- Andrew.