TPS - stripped screws in impossible location

Tiny
DAVE POWELL
  • MEMBER
  • 1993 BUICK SKYLARK
  • V6
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 139,000 MILES
Need to replace throttle position sensor, however the mounting screws are stripped (believe the proper screws should be t20 torx, however what I have inherited seem to be busted up flat screwdriver). Have seen several ideas including notching screws with dremel, or grinding them off at the head. This model car has basically zero room for any of that (i can barely get a pair of needle nose pliers in this space, and that's not enough 'grip' to turn them). Removing the throttle body might give me a little more room to work around, but I am not convinced it will matter as other rigid parts of the engine make the area very difficult/tight to work in. Does anyone have any bright ideas I have not considered?
Sunday, March 10th, 2019 AT 3:06 PM

1 Reply

Tiny
SCGRANTURISMO
  • MECHANIC
  • 4,897 POSTS
Hello,

Some other methods include using an easy-out. You can pick one of these up rather inexpensively at your local hardware store or on eBay or Amazon. Another idea would be to tack weld another bolt or nut onto the screws and the remove. I understand your pain, as I have a 1997 Ford Mustang GT that has absolutely zero room to work on anything. Keep us updated.

Thanks,
Alex
2CarPros
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Sunday, March 10th, 2019 AT 3:12 PM

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