I'm in the midst of replacing the turbo on my truck, and intercooler.. I can't for the life of me get the turbo nuts off. Is there a certain procedure to removing the nuts? Not like they give you much room to work anyway, but I can't get them to budge at all. Anyone have any ideas?

 

Massive soaking with "break free" has worked for me.

 

Years ago I used "PB Blaster" on the turbo of my '98 12v. It's available at Home Depot and it's good stuff.
Good Luck-John

 

Been soaking for a few days in pb blaster. I think the issue might lie in my shoulders and the lack of being able to apply enough torque. Called my Dads mechanic who works out of his mobile shop. Going to have him do it for me for cash.. worth the $ to not tear up my shoulders doing something I probably shouldn't do.

 

if you can, use a cheater bar or something like that to help.

 

kroil is the only penetrating oil to use

 

There have been a number of test on various penetrating oils. Kroil generally comes in #2, and PB blaster comes in number 3. #1 is a 50/50 mix of acetone and transmission fluid.

 

that's good to know! i'll try it

 

After soaking in PB blaster…
On my 1st and 2nd gens I use a 6 or 12 box end wrench and tap it with a rubber mallet to get them to break free.

 

Best way is to remove the exhaust manifold and turbo as one unit... the nuts are then very easy to get to and you can then apply torch heat if needed.

 

I always use a torch and heat the nut comes off very easy then.

 

I sometimes have luck by trying to tighten nuts slightly. Used three lengths of 15 mm box wrench with cheater bar. Large deep well socket and long extension over box wrench. You really have to work on it and try different approaches.