Got a ratchet stuck... (aka I'm a dumbass)...Help...

[tintin]

Ok, so I’m an idiot and admit it for this one.


I was replacing my serpentine belt (It’s a 98 Ford Windstar 3.8 if that makes a difference for anyone)– or trying to. I was using a ratchet to get the tensioner off. Space was tight and I made the bonehead move of using a ratchet instead of a wrench. So I backed the screw out as far as I could but now my ratchet along with the screw are stuck / wedged between one of the main beams inside the engine and the tensioner (tightly!) I’ve torqued it to the point of breaking the ratchet (another dumb thing!) Any ideas on how to get it out of there??

This is probably one of the most bonehead things I've ever done. Urgh.

[Satnam]

Re: Got a ratchet stuck... (aka I'm a dumbass)...Help...

Can't you get the ratchet off by wedging a flat screwdriver between the socket and ratchet? <<< Although this may create a few projectiles in the engine compartment.

Maybe a pic would help understand

[tintin]

Re: Got a ratchet stuck... (aka I'm a dumbass)...Help...

I may post a pic tonight.

It's TIGHT. I don't think I can get anything in there.

[stefan]

Re: Got a ratchet stuck... (aka I'm a dumbass)...Help...

k, no idea how this is jammed.. but if it is between engine and engine bay, could you jack up the engine a bit one way or another? would motor mounts have enough give to help you out?

[tintin]

Re: Got a ratchet stuck... (aka I'm a dumbass)...Help...

That could potentially work. I think I'll give it a try tonight.

My other option is to somehow pop the pin out that holds the ratchet head and the handle together (it's got a flex head on it). beyond those two ideas, I really don't know!

[RONDAL]

Re: Got a ratchet stuck... (aka I'm a dumbass)...Help...

ever thought of simply screwing whatever it was your were unscrewing or loosening back in?

[Triple G]

Re: Got a ratchet stuck... (aka I'm a dumbass)...Help...

Probably can't get to the back of the ratchet to reverse directions.

[RONDAL]

Re: Got a ratchet stuck... (aka I'm a dumbass)...Help...

then take a pair of grip pliers that will fit round the socket, grip the socket and try and rotate it back to screw whatever bolt you were loosening back in again. when its in enough that you can reverse the direction on the ratchet do so.

somehow though i think you took it one step too far and have done something to make this FUBAR

[tintin]

Re: Got a ratchet stuck... (aka I'm a dumbass)...Help...

Rondal has it right. FUBAR.

I tried lifting the engine and it didn't move. That's how tight it is.

So, what shop am I going to have this towed to?

then take a pair of grip pliers that will fit round the socket, grip the socket and try and rotate it back to screw whatever bolt you were loosening back in again. when its in enough that you can reverse the direction on the ratchet do so.

somehow though i think you took it one step too far and have done something to make this FUBAR

[stefan]

Re: Got a ratchet stuck... (aka I'm a dumbass)...Help...

one with a good sense of humour would be best

[tintin]

Re: Got a ratchet stuck... (aka I'm a dumbass)...Help...

good point!

I was thinking Bert and Jack's

[100%VAGitarian]

Re: Got a ratchet stuck... (aka I'm a dumbass)...Help...

sawzzall.

[tintin]

Re: Got a ratchet stuck... (aka I'm a dumbass)...Help...

sawzzall.

Do you think one would cut through a socket?

[stefan]

Re: Got a ratchet stuck... (aka I'm a dumbass)...Help...

depends how many blades you have...

yeah, bert and jacks is probably a good bet.

[tintin]

Re: Got a ratchet stuck... (aka I'm a dumbass)...Help...

sawzall is working. Four blades in and about 1/4 of the way there.

I'm done for the night.