What socket to open this alternator screw?

[TonyCH]

Hi, I am rebuilding a CS144 alternator and the brush holder screw has a head none of my sockets can open. Don't want to force it with pliers as I don't have a replacement. What is it? E-torx maybe? What size?

Thanks!

Its the golden one holding the white brush holder in place:

 

[drtyler]

I can't tell from the picture, but are there 5 points or 6 points?

 

[TonyCH]

I am quite sure it has 6 points. But today I can only zoom the pic and try to count from there.

 

[bikermehound]

Its a torx bit

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[ihateminimumwage]

E-Torx (can't remember the size). I've run into them going through alternators on GM powered Kohler generators.

I picked up the GearWrench 80322 set, it's been great for the smaller stuff.

 

[drtyler]

Etorx, E8 is common size in alternators.

Looking through an old parts book now to see if I can be more specific for CS144.

 

[TonyCH]

Its a torx bit

Might be but its male instead of the normal torx screws which have female heads. Does that make it E-torx?

And any idea of size? Haven't seen them before so it seem so rare I don't want to buy a whole set and hope that it includes the correct one.

 

[TonyCH]

Ok, more answers while I was writing. So it is e-torx. E8 seems largish for what I remember but if its common then fine, I'll give it a try. Thanks!

 

[drtyler]

So my parts book showed a hex head screw, which yours clearly is not.

Might be a good opportunity to justify the purchase of a set of E-torx sockets. If you work on modern European cars at all, they are everywhere.

 

[Finky198]

E is for external

 

[TonyCH]

So my parts book showed a hex head screw, which yours clearly is not.

Might be a good opportunity to justify the purchase of a set of E-torx sockets. If you work on modern European cars at all, they are everywhere.

This alternator was bought in 2002 in Delco box and does not have rebuild-label. But I haven't seen another one with a screw like this. I don't see lots of US alternators though so its a surprise every time I open one

Don't work with new cars so I haven't seen E-torxes anywhere yet but recently stumbled into 5-star Torx Plus tamper proofs in some Audis.

This madness will never end!

Thanks again.

 

[Wakefield]

Might want to look up Torx EP as in Snap On FLEPL120 (have no idea if that would be the right size but might be something in the neighborhood of what fits that thing right the first time without messing it up Torx Plus External?
some of the E and EP Torx might have extra shallow chamfer
(if its just E torx then don't try to use E torx plus)

 

[American Locomotive]

If you're in a pickle, I've found that regular sockets will actually work on E-Torx screws like that.

 

[TonyCH]

Tried all the smallest sockets I have and none of them worked. Trust me I have tried all I have, now I realize that I need to buy the actual tool that fits.

This far I've managed with regular torx, torx tamper proof and then those torx plus tamper proofs in some Audi MAFs. First time I encounter external torxes of any kind.

 

[American Locomotive]

Strange. I was able to take apart a GM alternator with those screws using a very small 6 point wrench.

 

[gigamel]

Looks smaller than E8 - you can measure point to point
E4 3.8mm
E5 4.7mm
E6 5.6mm
E8 7.4mm

Modern 6/12 pt flank drive style or spline socket or box end can do the job - if careful

e.g. 5mm 12pt box end will (sometime) work on E6 screws

Or just a good reason to buy more tools

 

[Provincial]

Vise grips for removal and a new hex head screw for replacement.

 

[TonyCH]

Thanks guys, I will take a look at it. To me it also looks smaller than E8 as I think my smallest 1/4" drive socket is 4 or 5mm and it didn't grab it.

Availability of replacement screws for Delco alternators is really thin here so I hope to get it out without damaging it.

I have loads of tools but have noticed that majority of tools in the sets I have go unused. So, I buy a set of tools like some weird sockets because I need 1 size. The rest are unused and take space in my box forever. I have tried to limit this lately and only buy the one I need.

 

[rhandwor]

Look closely at it and go to a store that sells female torx and select the proper size. I assume you could exchange it if it doesn't fit.
Otherwise take it to a parts store you use ask if you can borrow one to use in the store. If they know you they will probably let you use one. Or purchase the proper size.

 

[gigamel]

Bet you it's an E5

If you have a set of regular Torx bits or screw drivers you can compare:

T20 is same size as E4 screw head
T25 is (nearly) same size as E5 screw head
T30 is same size as E6 screw head

Try a regular 6/12pt 4mm socket/wrench if it's E5

 

[dnschmidt]

Go to Harbor Freight. They have a 1/4" drive E-torx set for like $10. https://www.harborfreight.com/6-pc-14-in-drive-e-socket-set-68017.html

 

[bwringer]

Go to Harbor Freight. They have a 1/4" drive E-torx set for like $10. https://www.harborfreight.com/6-pc-14-in-drive-e-socket-set-68017.html

That was my first thought as well, but the OP is in Finland... Harbor Freight is US only.

But I do agree -- buy the set. These stupid external torx things are popping up more and more in the strangest, dumbest places for no reason at all.

Whenever possible, I replace them with socket head screws.

I've also seen them used for things like carburetor mounting studs, which at least makes a little sense (although there's still no reason the stud couldn't just be a hex.)

 

[TonyCH]

Yeah, I gave up. While I was at our local HB-kinda store and looked at their individual E-torx -sockets. At $3.35 each it made more sense to order a 10 piece set from an local (ie. Europe) online store for $11 incl shipping. So, next week I know for sure which one fits.

Thanks for suggestions.

 

[Pig_Pen]

What about using a torx bolt with two nuts tightened against one another with a wrench?

 

[MikeF2316]

Yeah, I gave up. While I was at our local HB-kinda store and looked at their individual E-torx -sockets. At $3.35 each it made more sense to order a 10 piece set from an local (ie. Europe) online store for $11 incl shipping. So, next week I know for sure which one fits.

Thanks for suggestions.

Good thinking. It's the logic I always use, if I come across a new type fastener, I get a complete set. That way you'll not run into any more of that type! If you don't you'll need the next size up (or down) next week!
I needed E-torx for my ABS module, E5, I think it was. I don't think I've used any of the others (yet)

 

[TonyCH]

Etorx, E8 is common size in alternators.

Bet you it's an E5

Well, I had to know so I went to a toolstore again. I was willing to bet its E4. I was wrong and you would have lost the bet too. E5 didn't fit either but to my surprise E6 fits and opens the screw...

And from then on its easy