i was wondering how i can take off a stripped bolt? is there any tool that i need that can do this or am i out of luck?

 

there are many ways. need more details

 

one of the thermostat bolts are stripped..and it's leaking

 

Nothing that is going to be cheap or easy.

If the bolt is really stripped there shouldn't be much holding it in place. To repair the problem you'll need either a new thermostat housing, or attempt to install a helicoil in the old housing. You'll have to remove it to drill for the helicoil, and you need to make sure that it's installed parallel with the other bolt and at a 90deg angle with the housing face. Not the easiest thing to do freehand.

 

aww man, there isnt any way i could just use something to seal up the leaking? what slows2k mention sounds really hard..

 

The threads are there for a reason man. I suppose you could waste a bunch of time trying to glue up the outside and have it still leak. The thermostat needs 2 bolts to hold it in place and hold 16psi + of cooling system pressure inside.

The next question is how did it get stripped?

 

had a 12mm in the wrench when i needed a 10mm, leaking came before this. i think it's loose or the rubber seal is not on correctly. i hate life

 

Is the bolt's head rounded off and you can't tighten or loosen it?

That's not the same as stripped threads.

 

yeah the head is rounded off (looking like a circle), sorry i didnt know theres a difference.
thanks for the reponses slow2k

 

Find a replacement bolt 1st. No point in taking it out when you don't have a new one go go back in.

There are several tools available for removing rounded fasteners. A pair of vice grip locking pliers is the easiest to find, and you may be able to get a small pair into place to loosen the bolt. There are also specialty sockets made to cut into the sides of the rounded bolt. If you don't think you can get the bolt out, find a mechanic that can.