2008 Mountaineer EGR bolt won't budge

[jjjrobinson2]

2008 Mercury Mountaineer/V6/AWD/190000 miles/automatic. Scan code P0401.


Planned to clean the EGR valve. Got the passenger side bolt and exhaust tube loose, but the driver side bolt is buried so deep that I can barely get a normal 3/8 ratchet and 10mm socket on it. Have used several applications of PBlaster and a torch, but it is rusty and will not move at all, at least with anything I have that can reach the bolt head(they must assemble these before the engine is installed, as it's up near the firewall, plumbing, and wiring harnesses. ). We really can't afford to have a mechanic work on this right now. What is the correct tool--rent or buy--for the job?

[shorod]

Welcome to the forum!

Are you able to get on the head with a box end wrench? Do you have swivel joints, extensions, and impact-rated sockets, along with an impact?

I've never had one of these with the V6 so unfortunately (well, fortunately for me I guess) I don't have any first-hand experience with this exact setup.

-Rod

[jjjrobinson2]

Broke a 3/8 flex joint already. I have the usual hand tools and extensions. Don't have impact tools, although I have some of the sockets, and it's not clear how I would get one onto the head.

[jjjrobinson2]

Ok, got it loose. The "3/8 in. Drive Flex Head Long Handle Ratchet" from Harbor Freight provided just enough room to break it loose.

[shorod]

Congratulations, good work! And thank you for following up with what worked for you.

-Rod